RUSSELL THORNBERRY OUTDOORS

2011 Spirit of the North Trophy Elk Hunt

2011 Trophy Elk and Whitetail Hunts

Sept 2-6, 2011

 Spirit of the North Elk and Whitetail Trophy Hunts are conducted on a large, wild, privately owned, enclosed estate near Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, Canada. Non residents are only permitted to hunt elk in Saskatchewan on enclosed estates. I have been organizing and hosting annual elk and whitetail hunts at S.O.N. since 2004 and never had a disappointed hunter!

 Russell Thornberry

Accommodations: The 2011 hunt can accommodate 10 hunters comfortably in our fully modern lodge with toilets, showers, all bedding and towels furnished and all meals prepared by our expert cooks. NO tents here!  By the way, lady hunters are welcome, too!

Terrain: The terrain is gently rolling hills and meadows with mixed aspen and spruce timber at a modest elevation of 2000 feet.  Imagine that – a high quality elk hunt without mountain climbing or pack horses -- and with plenty of breathable air!  Rifle shots are seldom over 200 yards as the timber is fairly thick. 

Weather: In early September the weather can be as warm as 70 degrees and sunny to rain or snow and temperatures as low as freezing, so hunters should be prepared for all of the above.  We suggest that you be able to dress in layers so that you can easily adjust to the conditions at hand.  Good rain wear is a must as are good rubber boots. In all cases bring the soft and quiet camouflage hunting clothing made of wool or fleece.  There are no legal color requirements so your choice of camo will be fine.

What to Bring: In addition to the clothing mentioned above, hunters need to bring their own toiletries. All towels and facecloths will be furnished. Bring your camera and/or video camera to capture the memories. Bring casual clothing to wear around the lodge. If you require special medications, be sure to bring them with you, and if you have specific dietary requirements, please let us know in advance of your arrival. There are electrical outlets in each bedroom for those who use CPAP breathing machines. Bring a good pair of binoculars, and if you’re a bowhunter, bring a good range finder. If you are bringing a firearm, you will be allowed to bring factory ammo in factory boxes with you. Canada customs will take handloads away from you at the border so do yourself a favor and bring only factory ammo. 

Weapons: The hunter has a choice of hunting weapons, which include all archery tackle including crossbows, black powder arms and center-fire rifles. Only handguns are prohibited. We have an assortment of modern center-fire rifles available at the lodge in case you prefer not to travel with your own firearm.  We recommend .30 caliber rifles from .30-06 to one of the .300 Magnums and some hunters prefer to bring larger calibers such as .the 338 Mag. or .375 Mag., which are also fine elk medicine.

Hunting Methods: Spirit of the North accommodates all practical hunting methods including box blinds, treestands, stalking and bugling. During this early season hunt the bulls will be bugling and you will thrill to the sound of elk music in the air.  Guides will have calls so you don’t need to bring one.

Guide Services: For treestand and blind hunting, guides are not necessary, however, a guide is your best bet for stalking.  One guide per two hunters is included at no extra cost. Should you wish to have you own personal guide, there is an additional charge of $150 (U.S.) per day.

Pricing: The price of your hunt is $2,500 (U.S.), plus your trophy fee, but the $2500 hunt cost is applied in full to your trophy fee (see schedule below).

Trophy Fees: You might be wondering how you match your trophy to your budget. Good question. You simply advise your guide of the maximum size elk you can afford and he will be responsible for putting you in the right place for the bull you want.  This is one of the benefits of a government sanctioned and well regulated estate hunt.

Deposit Schedule: A deposit of $1250 (U.S) is required to confirm your booking.  The balance of $1250 can be paid upon arrival with a cashiers check, credit card or cash. No personal checks please.

At the end of your hunt your trophy fee is due, minus the prepaid $2500.

Licensing: Your hunting license and export permits for your antlers and/or meat are provided by Spirit of the North and you need no other provincial licenses.  These documents are covered in the price of your hunt.

Border Crossing: When coming into Canada either by ground or air, you will be required to present your U.S. Passport and to declare any firearms that accompany you. At this time the issue of Canadian firearms registration is in hot debate and expected to voted on by the Canadian government to see whether or not it will be repealed. We certainly hope it will be voted out but just in case, be prepared to pay a Canadian Gun Registration Fee of $25 (Canadian). If registration is required you will also be required to complete a gun registration form (CAFC 909EE & 910EE), which can be provided at the border, or which you can download it from www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca  and have it ready to hand to the Canada Custom and Immigrations officer upon entry. This is a time saver for those flying into Canada. You will be asked by a Canadian Customs officer where you plan to go and why. The answer is: You are going hunting with Spirit of the North Outfitters at Spiritwood, Saskatchewan. You will not be allowed to enter Canada if you have a felony record in the U.S. and this includes a DUI record, which Canada Customs treats as a felony, even if the U.S. does not.

Travel: If flying, your final destination will be Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Lodge is a 1 ½ hour drive from Saskatoon. You should make car rental reservations in advance at the Saskatoon airport and be sure you rent something adequate in size to transport antlers and/or meat back to the airport.  Upon confirmed booking you will receive full driving instructions to the lodge from Saskatoon.  If you are driving from the U.S. several internet map services can direct you to Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, and we can direct you from there.

Arrival and Departure Times: Plan to arrive at the lodge the afternoon before your hunt begins (Aug. 31^st) and to depart from the lodge on the morning of Sept. 6^th. You may leave early at your leisure if you bag your trophy early in the hunt.

Handling and Transport of Antlers and Meat: Antlers and meat are prepared for shipping by our staff.  Skulls for European mounts can be boiled and cleaned for $200. Meat can be cut and vacuum sealed in heavy leak proof plastic and frozen -- ideal for travel for 80 cents per pound. If you do not wish to take your antlers and cape with you as you travel, arrangements can be made to ship them to you from Canada.  Hunters often leave their trophy in Canada to be mounted and then shipped to them.  We have an excellent taxidermist that will be glad to handle this process if you wish. Naturally, all taxidermy and shipping fees are the responsibility of the hunter.

 

2011 Pricing Effective Mar. 1, 2011

(All prices in U.S. currency)

 ELK

300-330 inches: $3000

331-350 inches: $4000

351-360 inches: $4500

361-370 Inches: $5500

371-389 inches: $6500

390-405 inches: $9500

Over 405 inches - call for priices

 

Whitetail Deer

145-155 inches: $4000

156-165 inches: $4800

166-170 inches: $5500

171-180 inches: $7500

181-190 inches: $8500

191-200 inches: $12000

201 inches and above: call for pricing

 Gratuities: Guides and Skinners: $150 minimum

 

For bookings and additional information contact:

Russell Thornberry

P. O. Box 5000

Woodland Park, CO 80866

(334) 590-5916 - C

Email: russell@russellthornberry.com

Web: www.russellthornberry.com

 

Newsletter -- Feb.4, 2011

Wildman 2011

Hosted by Russell Thornberry & Dudley Hall

Wildman 2011 is the most creative, adventurous outdoors men’s ever undertaken, situated in the beautiful foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. Wildman challenges men to embrace their spiritual masculinity through team camaraderie and competitions that are as adventurous as they are hilarious.  In case you’re thinking these competitions require polished expertise, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, most of the events are designed to level the playing field with equal inopportunity. In other words, they’re too off the wall for anyone to be very polished. That’s what makes it all so much fun for everyone. Wildman 2011 is not about being religious but it is about being real. Add wild (but not necessarily true) stories, songs and belly laughs around a nightly campfire, as well as tremendous, anointed  Bible teaching by Dudley Hall and you have the makings of an unforgettable and life changing weekend.  Break away from the hum-drum of you “normal” life for this awesome weekend event and join us at Wildman 2011!

Competitive Events:

 Numerous fun events and competitions (experts not required) will challenge you in ways you never imagined such as Atlatl Golf, Texas Hog Toss, Olympic Pickle Spitting, Crazy Horse Express, Bare Bow Rabbit Chase, Compound 3-D Bowhunt, Cap-Lok Turkey Shoot, Knife and Tomahawk throwing and Sudden Death Crossbow Equalizer. 

 Workshops:

This year’s event will also include a compound bow tuning workshop conducted by archery expert and competitive archery champion John Bott. Russ Thornberry will conduct a workshop entitled “Advanced Antler Rattling for White-tailed Deer.”

 Location:

Located in the foothills of the Rockies, 11 kilometers west of Caroline, Alberta, the Living Faith Bible College campus includes eighty pristine, timbered acres bordering the beautiful Clearwater River – the perfect setting for events in the great outdoors. 

 Meals and Lodging Provided

2011 Price: $225.00 per person

Early Bird Discount for booking made before May 13^th: $195.00 per person

Please Register Online at: www.lfbc.net

About your hosts:

Russell Thornberry is a professional outdoorsman, TV personality, author, speaker, musician, minister and founder of Russell Thornberry Outdoors.

Dudley Hall is a gifted outdoors sportsman, author, extraordinary Bible teacher, minister, president and founder of Successful Christian Living Ministries in Euless, Texas.

 

Caption: Left-right: New York Yankee’s Bobby Richardson, NFL Coach Dan Reeves, FCA Outdoors Director, Tim Eason and RTO Founder Russell Thornberry.

FCA Outdoors’ Night of Champions

The FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) has been a powerful organization in furthering the Gospel and changing lives among athletes and coaches nationwide. Now under the direction of Tim Eason FCA has officially launched FCA Outdoors to minister to the even greater numbers of outdoors men and women in America.  I had the privilege of being a guest speaker at the Night of Champions official inauguration of FCA Outdoors in Atlanta last summer. It was a very special and moving event as some of America’s greatest athletes told of their passion for the outdoors and their commitment to Jesus Christ. Among them were Official FCA Outdoors spokesman and Hall of Fame NFL quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, Jim Kelly, All Star New York Yankee Shortstop, Bobby Richardson and legendary NFL Football Coach, Dan Reeves.

Many people are seeking to find a way to utilize their passion for Christ with their interest in the great outdoors. FCA Outdoors is the perfect facilitator. Contact FCA Outdoors at their new website (www.fcaoutdoors.org) and let them assist you in your outdoors mission vision.

 

2010: A Very Good Year Afield!

By Russell Thornberry

As the 2010 hunting season progressed many of my friends kept me abreast of their hunting triumphs ranging from their first-ever trophies to their best-ever trophies so, as we enter a new year, I thought this would be the perfect time to showcase them. So here they are with their 2010 success stories. Enjoy!

Jenn Rivet’s Alberta Bear

On Sept. 7, 2010, Jenn Rivet who operates Great Canadian Adventures with her husband John took advantage of a day off from her guiding duties to hunt for one of those giant black bears that abound in their hunting area, and a big black bear she got! This monster weighed 502 pounds and measured 7 foot 8 inches from nose to tail. In case you might have any hesitation about hunting with a woman guide, may I assure you that your hesitation is totally unfounded in Jenn’s case. She is a top notch guide, a deadly shot, skins bears with the best and her cooking will knock your socks off. Did I mention that she’s also very pretty?  John Rivet – you’re a very lucky man! More about the Rivets later.

Tim Martin’s Ohio Buck

My buddy Tim Martin of Auburn, Alabama (also home of the 2010 National Championship Football Team), took his muzzleloader to Ohio last fall and upended this spectacular 170 1/8-inch monster. Since he’s the art director for Rack Magazine, he applied his artful eye to the photography of  himself and his splendid buck, which looks like it should be on a hunting magazine cover – hint, hint! Congrats Tim. As usual I am green with envy!

Walter Woolvett’s Alberta Buck

Walter Woolvett was a neighbor of mine some 20 years ago in the Rocky Mountain House area of Alberta, Canada. He moved to Ontario but still comes back to Alberta to haunt his old hunting grounds each November, which have produced numerous ghastly whitetails for him over the years.  Though he only had a day in the Alberta woods in the November 2010 season he still managed to score on this nifty irregular buck. Wonder what what he would have shot if he had a whole week to hunt? Congrats Walter.

Kenny Thacker’s Archery Elk

I had the joy of filming my dear friend Kenny Thacker on his first elk hunt last fall with Spirit of the North Outfitters near Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, Canada. Kenny, a Kentucky-born pastor, now residing in Prosper, Texas, was not only on his first elk hunt, but on his first ever bowhunt, as well.  It was a learning experience to say the least but after lots of close calls with no cigars, on the last day of his hunt a bull finally gave him a shot, which he made good and the rest is history.  If you run into Kenny, there’s a chance that he might mention his big elk and an even better chance that he’ll have a photo of it in his pocket. Watch him struggle with humility!

John Rivet’s 2010 Alberta Whitetail

John, the other half of the Rivet’s Great Canadian Adventures, bagged this awesome whitetail in November, 2010, near Fort Assinaboine, Alberta, in the same area where he and his wife Jenn guide whitetail and bear hunters. I hunted fall black bears with John and Jenn in September and I was overwhelmed by their awesome hunting area and the game it contains. But most of all I was enthused about these two fine people who I would recommend to anyone looking for a great whitetail, black bear, moose, wolf or waterfowl hunting adventure hosted by a truly great couple. 

Verdon Kerr’s 2010 Alberta Buck

My friend Verdon Kerr from Peers, Alberta, bagged this dandy 11-point buck on his own property in November 2010.  Verdon is an ardent trophy hunter who pursues whitetails with the same passion that he hunts bighorn sheep and elk. His trophy wall is a testimony to his hunting prowess!

Billy Blair’s 2010 Alberta Buck

I met Billy Blair of South Carloina in September when we were both hunting bears with John and Jenn Rivet. He bagged a very nice black bear and so did I. Billy Blair returned to Alberta in November to try for a good whitetail. Jenn was guiding Billy when he let the hammer down on this gorgeous buck. As I previously pointed out, if you doubt the ability of a female guide, just talk to Billy Blair!  

Gerhard Vos’ South African Rogue Hippo

Gerhard Vos, owner of Dagga Boy Safaris in South Africa, received word that this hippo was terrorizing people and property in his hunting concession so he took care of business.  I met Gerhard at the national official Night of Champions kick-off for FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Outdoors in Atlanta in 2010. Gerhard has a passion for using his business to fulfill the hunting dreams of his clientele and to glorify God with his outdoor passion.  I was so impressed with Gerhard and his commitment to excellence that I hope to hunt with him in South Africa in the near future. Check out Gerhard’s services at www.daggaboysafaris.co.za.

 

Barry Patterson’s Colorado Bow Elk

I know of no one who has suffered more, worked harder, burned more boot leather and sweated more blood for his elk hunting than my son-in-law Barry Patterson of Florissant, CO. For years he’s been hoofing it up mountains where angels fear to tread, bow in hand, pack on back, and determination beyond all reason. His annual stories of elk hunting heart break are enough to make one question his sanity. But in September of 2010, Barry finally shot the arrow that counted and bagged his first Colorado bull with his bow. If there was an Academy Award for bowhunting elk, I’d give it to Barry. He deserves it!

Luke Noffsinger’s First Buck

Luke Noffsinger of Montgomery, Alabama, shot his first doe on the morning of Dec. 29, 2010, while hunting with his father Ryan who is the art director of Buckmasters Whitetail Magazine and an avid deer hunter himself. He’s been taking Luke with him on hunts near home for the last couple of years, but this year Luke was big enough to shoot a .243, so it was his turn. A few days after bagging his first doe, Luke and Ryan were back in their stand looking for another opportunity. It came soon enough and Luke added his first buck to his proud 2011 hunting accomplishments. “I'm one proud dad to say the least,” says Ryan. “What  an awesome experience we'll both remember forever. I love that boy!”

Logan Dryland’s First Buck

 Fourteen-year-old Logan Dryland of Eckville, Alberta, entered the whitetail hunting world in a big way on Nov. 12, 2010, while being guided by his uncle Darwin. Logan made his 100-yard shot count with his .270 on a buck that most hunters would only hope to see in a lifetime of deer hunting. It gross-scored 194 inches! If Logan lived anywhere other than Alberta I might call this a once-in-a-lifetime event but the fact is that he just might get a bigger one next year.  Even if he doesn’t, what a way to start!  And if he does, I want to book a hunt with his uncle Darwin. Way to go Logan! 

Molly Darnell’s First Buck

  . . . and speaking of first bucks, let’s not forget the girls!  Molly Darnell of Cecil, Alabama, is surrounded by three brothers and her father, Dale, who are all rabid deer hunters. But in January of 2011, Molly proved that she wasn’t going to be upstaged by a bunch of guys when she shot this gorgeous 8-point Alabama buck. Now it’s Molly with the braggin’ rights in the Darnell family. Congrats Molly. You’re a real deer hunter now and the Darnell boys have nothing on you!

Reese Darnell’s First Buck

 In case you haven’t figured it out, Reese is Molly Darnell’s younger brother, and like his big sister, he too entered the world of “official” deer hunters during the Alabama deer season this January when he bagged his first buck on the family deer lease. Reese’s buck is something of an oddity in that it has one typical antler and only a partial antler on the other side. The rack is not broken it just grew that way.Congratulations Reese, your deer completes the Darnell Family Grand Slam of deer hunters.

 

New Outfitter Listings on RTO Resources

Welcome John and Jenn Rivet – Alberta Canada

Great Canadian Adventures

(www.greatcanadianadventures.net)

 

Welcome Gerhard Vos – South Africa

Dagga Boy Safaris

www.daggaboysafaris.co.za 

 

This Issue's Department Updates

Field Tips

Easton Archery Introduces Diamond Arrow Wraps

The Revolutionary New Fusion Vanes from Duravane

 

Real Life

“Beware of the Counterfeit”

Many things promise fulfillment – only one delivers.

 February Feature Article

“A Pair of Twelves on the Sixes”

Russ Thornberry has taken 12-point bucks

with his bow on Oct. 6th, for two years running!

 

A Pair of Twelves on the Sixes

By Russell Thornberry

On the cold drizzling morning of Oct. 6^th, 2009, I was about to give up the hunt and go back to my nice warm cabin. I hadn’t seen a single deer from my treestand in western Saskatchewan that morning and I was ready to believe the deer were as miserable as I was, thereby justifying my early departure from the dripping aspen leaves that were soaking me. Another minute and I would have been climbing down, but I made one last check around my stand site as a matter of routine and there he was – a huge, heavy-antlered buck about to pass right in front of me at 15 yards. The shot was instinctive. I don’t remember much about it – just auto pilot I suppose. But as I stood over that awesome 12-point buck – the best of my bowhunting career – I was reminded that whitetails are not nearly as miserable in the rain as I was. The buck grossed 178 and change. I was elated.

Saskatchewan: Oct 6th, 2009

One year later on the afternoon of Oct. 6^th, 2010, I was high in another aspen tree, near my home in central western Alberta, shrouded by a couple of thick spruce trees, hopefully awaiting the arrival of a buck, which I had named “Ol’ Moses.” I had trail cam pictures of him but I had never seen him in the flesh. It was a tricky situation because the only place I could set up on him was a measured two steps from his trail, which was dangerously close – too close for comfort. I normally like to be twenty yards or more from a deer trail to have some breathing room. Tight quarters like these meant that I would have one chance and if I blew it -- game over.

 I had waited several days for the perfect wind direction. It had to be from the southeast. As daylight faded I looked at my watch. I had five minutes of legal shooting light left. I heard the soft foot fall of a deer on the dried aspen leaves and turned my head to see Ol’ Moses walk right under me at spitting distance. I knew I had to hold my shot until he passed down the trail hopefully offering me a going away shot.  I was at full draw and following him when he stopped. I locked my 20-yard pin behind his last rib and released my arrow. In the low light I couldn’t see the arrow in flight but I heard it thump as it hit him and I knew by his body language that he was hit hard. A couple of bounds and he was out of sight.  Only then did I realize how revved up I was. I was still getting my breath as darkness fell.  As a matter of personal practice I waited in my stand for a full hour before I climbed down. I found him 40 yards away in the thick timber.

Alberta: Oct.6th, 2010

It was a few days later that I realized that for two consecutive years I had taken 12-point bucks on the 6^th of October. I’m not really a gambler but if I arrow another 12-pointer on Oct. 6^th of 2011, I’m heading straight for Las Vegas! Wish me luck.

 

 

Beware of the Counterfeit

By Russell Thornberry

When I was editor of Buckmasters Whitetail Magazine a well known hunter broke some serious game laws and was caught red handed. Overnight that man whom the hunting public had previously adored, turned on him with a vengeance. The same audience who had adored the man one minute wanted him crucified the next. It illustrated the fickle and unforgiving nature of the human heart. In terms of the law, justice was being served, and the penalty was certainly justified.  It was the end of the man’s career in the outdoor world.

While I certainly recognized that the man had broken the law and was deserving of the ensuing calamity that befell him, I felt sorry for him.  He was being driven by his need for more adoration for his ability to harvest record book deer. More adoration would subsequently result in more sales of his hunting related products, etc. etc. He allowed himself to get caught in that dangerous trap and he paid dearly for it.

I spent a great deal of my younger life ensnared by insecurity, believing that I was only as valuable as my accomplishments. The problem was that no degree of accomplishment, no matter how significant, ever made me feel any better about myself. Though I gained public accolades, inside I was still the same desperate, insecure man. Satan knew that as long as he could keep me chasing my significance as defined only by my accomplishments, that eventually I would be destroyed. And he was right. My world came crashing down on me and I was more insecure than ever.

At that point I cried out to God and asked him to save me from myself, from life, from everything. He heard my cry and did all that I had asked and much more. Through that process I encountered God’s unconditional love for me personally. For the first time in my life I realized that my accomplishments did not define me, but that Jesus’ accomplishments did. I experienced peace for the first time in my life and realized what it meant to know the love of God. It changed everything and I emerged a different person, healed of my insecurities that had driven me for so long. Finally I could approach life from a healed perspective, knowing that no matter what happened, I could rest in the eternal peace and unconditional love of the ultimate father.

I sometimes wonder if the man I mentioned earlier was like I was – desperately insecure – needing to do more than enough so that he could find his significance. That’s why I felt sorry for him. I had already proven to myself that no personal accomplishment could ever put out the fire of personal insecurity or insignificance. Only the love of God can do that.  What brings you significance? What happens if you lose it? What happens if you gain it?  Will it bring you inner peace and enduring confidence? I can answer that – the answer is ultimately “NO.” Beware of the counterfeit -- only the love of God can do that!

 

Advancements in Arrow Fletching

 

Easton Archery Introduces the Diamond Arrow Wrap

This appears to be the era of new-fangled fletching options with several shaft wrap designs on the market, with which to personalize your arrows. Easton Archery (www.eastonarchery.com) – (801) 539-1400 has come up with my pick of the litter when it comes to wraps for arrow shafts with their new Diamond Arrow Wraps. Instead of rolling an adhesive wrap onto the shaft, the Diamond wraps are actually tubes that shrink tightly and seamlessly around your arrow shaft in how water.  You then glue your vanes or feathers directly to the wrap and if you should need to re-fletch your arrow you simply cut off the Diamond wrap, which leaves no residue on the shaft, and bingo -- a clean shaft is ready for re-fletching. The Diamond wraps are available in four designs: Tribal Whitetail, Zebra, Red Flame and Green Flame and retail at $19 per package of a dozen wrap.

The Revolutionary New Fusion Vanes from Duravane

Norway Industries – www.norwayindustries.com – 800-778-4755

Fusion Vanes have revolutionized the effectiveness of short vanes. The Fusion Vane sports a high profile design based upon the increasingly popular foot print of today’s short vanes, but that’s where all similarities end.  With a profile similar to the traditional shield cut, the modified silhouette increases the surface area of the most critical point of the vanes’ anatomy, minimizing cross wind interference while maximizing broadhead flight stabilization. In short, the Fusion vanes provide a short, high profile with a proven shape.

Fused Base and Blade

 Two distinctly different proprietary polymers are used to separately create the clear base and the colored blade of the vane.  They are then “fused” together during the manufacturing process. By employing a soft and broadened suction fit and a durable and responsive, tapered blade, Duravane has created a completely unique, flexible, forgiving, easy-t- fletch vane that has all the positive characteristics that modern archers seek for unrivaled flight and accuracy. No cleaning or preparation is needed for Fusion Vanes!

 No Primer on the Vane

Because Fusion’s blend of materials requires no primer or any other material on the base of the vane for adhesion, they have an unlimited shelf life. Fusion vanes are available in 36-piece packs with eight colors to choose from and in three sizes:

 1.5-inch length -.40-inch height – 3.5 grains weight

2.1-inch length - .56-inch height – 7 grains weight

3-inch length - .45-inch length – 8 grains weight

I find the 2.1-inch Fusion vanes completely sufficient for my hunting needs and I love how quickly and effortlessly the wide, suction-fitting base attaches to the shaft.