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1.) Bob Peck - 01/05/2016
Spotted 10+ turkeys at first light. For late fall/early winter turkeys they were LOUD and wouldn't shut up. I took note of the chorus and back-n-forth for perfecting the spring season which can't come soon enough. Then a red fox hung around for 10 mins. Very peculiar and jumpy behavior. I watched him through the binocs. Beautiful, lustrous, shiny fur.
The gear was working perfectly against the cold and wind chill. I was comfy in the 18 degree ambient and 8-12 mph winds.
Finally at around 8 a.m. a mere 15 yards from my tree shows a large bodied buck with a crappy rack. Not a shooter under normal circumstances but I was meat hunting and hadn't reached my venison donation goal.
I stopped texting. Put the phone away and dropped him in his tracks. Chip shot. Nothing challenging about the shot w/ a Traditions loose powder/percussion cap .50 cal muzzleloader my wife bought from a Dick's from a guy who didn't hunt or use firearms. Nothing impressive about the buck with the crappy rack but still ... that familiar adrenaline rush was there and like Wiley Coyote, I saw meat going into distribution for those fellow Americans who are hungry in this great land of plenty.
Less than an hour later a doe shows up with doe fawn coming down the steep embankment. I shot the doe behind the shoulder. Junior was moving into position behind the doe and lowering her head to the forest floor to browse. I was so focused on the spot behind the shoulder of the doe I wasn't paying attention to anything else. I had the spot in my scope and that's all I had. The back stop was the hill so there was no danger there. It was go time.
The shot goes through large doe and through the neck of junior. Doe runs 10 yards with a hole in her heart and flops against a tree with hooves pointing skyward. That was weird. Never seen that happen before. The doe fawn flails around wildly looking exactly like a fatality on Walking Dead with arterial blood spraying everywhere and slipping farther and farther down the incline. That was a big surprise. The neck wound was massive. Wow. How'd that happen? My brain tried to process the scenario and the briefly stored images.
No doubt about it ... blood spatter and CSI recreation on the ground ... 2 shots/3 deer and no tracking. The drag? Uh ... took an hour to get each up and out of the ravine plus field dressing all three. I was home by 1 p.m. and cooking a single backstrap in my new smoker with a few beers (alright more than a few) to wash it down.
I finished with an hour nap, some football game as background noise and a belly full of venison and brew. Heaven must be something like this. I'm sure of it.
I donated the meat (sans one backstrap). In the last moments of what I can only characterize as a great season. My head was in a good place that season. I've been hunting hard since October when bow season opened but logically it seemed impossible on this last day, 19 degree morning that I would reach my venison donation goal but there it was just like on the TV shows except it wasn't the last hour of the last day. It was only the last day and I had planned an all day sit or still hunt if necessary. I couldn't be happier. It was like getting out of work early and unexpectedly. It was time to go home. The job was done.
I think I may continue doing this hunting thing for another 35 years. :tu:
The gear was working perfectly against the cold and wind chill. I was comfy in the 18 degree ambient and 8-12 mph winds.
Finally at around 8 a.m. a mere 15 yards from my tree shows a large bodied buck with a crappy rack. Not a shooter under normal circumstances but I was meat hunting and hadn't reached my venison donation goal.
I stopped texting. Put the phone away and dropped him in his tracks. Chip shot. Nothing challenging about the shot w/ a Traditions loose powder/percussion cap .50 cal muzzleloader my wife bought from a Dick's from a guy who didn't hunt or use firearms. Nothing impressive about the buck with the crappy rack but still ... that familiar adrenaline rush was there and like Wiley Coyote, I saw meat going into distribution for those fellow Americans who are hungry in this great land of plenty.
Less than an hour later a doe shows up with doe fawn coming down the steep embankment. I shot the doe behind the shoulder. Junior was moving into position behind the doe and lowering her head to the forest floor to browse. I was so focused on the spot behind the shoulder of the doe I wasn't paying attention to anything else. I had the spot in my scope and that's all I had. The back stop was the hill so there was no danger there. It was go time.
The shot goes through large doe and through the neck of junior. Doe runs 10 yards with a hole in her heart and flops against a tree with hooves pointing skyward. That was weird. Never seen that happen before. The doe fawn flails around wildly looking exactly like a fatality on Walking Dead with arterial blood spraying everywhere and slipping farther and farther down the incline. That was a big surprise. The neck wound was massive. Wow. How'd that happen? My brain tried to process the scenario and the briefly stored images.
No doubt about it ... blood spatter and CSI recreation on the ground ... 2 shots/3 deer and no tracking. The drag? Uh ... took an hour to get each up and out of the ravine plus field dressing all three. I was home by 1 p.m. and cooking a single backstrap in my new smoker with a few beers (alright more than a few) to wash it down.
I finished with an hour nap, some football game as background noise and a belly full of venison and brew. Heaven must be something like this. I'm sure of it.
I donated the meat (sans one backstrap). In the last moments of what I can only characterize as a great season. My head was in a good place that season. I've been hunting hard since October when bow season opened but logically it seemed impossible on this last day, 19 degree morning that I would reach my venison donation goal but there it was just like on the TV shows except it wasn't the last hour of the last day. It was only the last day and I had planned an all day sit or still hunt if necessary. I couldn't be happier. It was like getting out of work early and unexpectedly. It was time to go home. The job was done.
I think I may continue doing this hunting thing for another 35 years. :tu:
2.) Jon - 01/05/2016
Awesome! Then the drag...........
3.) luv2bowhunt - 01/05/2016
That Bob is a stone cold killer I tell you!
Good job and good use of wild deer. Just what God put them there for, in my opinion, to fill a need for mankind.
Good job and good use of wild deer. Just what God put them there for, in my opinion, to fill a need for mankind.
4.) Wild Bob - 01/05/2016
What a great story with an even better outcome...awesome!!
Congrats on a super season finale! :tu:
Congrats on a super season finale! :tu:
5.) Bob Peck - 01/05/2016
[QUOTE=Jon;37816]Awesome! Then the drag...........[/QUOTE]
Every year for the last 5 I've said "Self? Why don't you get yourself one of those deer carts?" Do I listen to myself? Nooooo. I think it has something to do with an admission that I'm getting older combined with my wife's beliefs pounded in my head over 25 years of marriage ... "you need the exercise". She's right of course, she's always right but I'm not ready to admit I'm old and out of shape. I am ready to admit she's always right but please don't tell her.
Then the internal discussion goes cyclical "Hey, why go low tech with a deer cart? Why not spend $7k you don't have on a 4-wheeler with a winch and call it a day."
"7k on a 4-wheeler?!!! What are you crazy?!! Just buy a deer cart, no wait ... you need the exercise." Oh the torment. :laugh:
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;37818]That Bob is a stone cold killer I tell you! Good job and good use of wild deer. Just what God put them there for, in my opinion, to fill a need for mankind.[/QUOTE]
I agree. If I can put 1100 lbs this year and Virginia hunters put 238,972 lbs into circulation last year imagine the reality and possibilities across all 50 states.
I know there are those who read this and say things like "Get a job and buy your own food." and "Liberals are always trying to help people looking for a free hand out." I used to say the same things and no, I'm definitely not a liberal. Until I started volunteering to serve the venison or fund raise for these organizations I couldn't possibly understand. When I looked across the serving line into the eyes of children as old as my own who through no fault of their own were hungry. Not whining, not complaining ... just hungry. Mom's ditched by their loser husbands who abandoned them and didn't pay child support. People out of work after 25 working for the same employers. You have to see or feel the repercussions of a recession to know it's impact.
These days there are as many social leeches as always but the face of the hungry is very different. You have to see these faces to truly understand the magnitude of need. I believe strongly in taking care of our own first.
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;37819]What a great story with an even better outcome...awesome!! Congrats on a super season finale! :tu:[/QUOTE]
Thank you WB. True story. I don't know if anyone goes through the same thought patterns but I'm always fighting internal negativity. Maybe that's just an old man, experienced hunter condition.
"You're not going to see anything today."
"The wind is up. They're probably laying down."
"Why are you hunting the same stand location? They're probably on to you."
"You made too much noise going in and you know it. You won't see a thing."
"The mast crop is depleted. There's nothing in this location for them."
"Man it's cold outside. Why don't you just lay back down and call it a day, call it a season?"
But yet, we/I get up out of bed, make it happen and the negativity is either reinforced *or* we're wrong and there's a day like I had finishing the season. A day where everything comes together beyond our wildest expectations. I'll call those blessings and I'll take whatever is sent my way! :wink
Every year for the last 5 I've said "Self? Why don't you get yourself one of those deer carts?" Do I listen to myself? Nooooo. I think it has something to do with an admission that I'm getting older combined with my wife's beliefs pounded in my head over 25 years of marriage ... "you need the exercise". She's right of course, she's always right but I'm not ready to admit I'm old and out of shape. I am ready to admit she's always right but please don't tell her.
Then the internal discussion goes cyclical "Hey, why go low tech with a deer cart? Why not spend $7k you don't have on a 4-wheeler with a winch and call it a day."
"7k on a 4-wheeler?!!! What are you crazy?!! Just buy a deer cart, no wait ... you need the exercise." Oh the torment. :laugh:
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;37818]That Bob is a stone cold killer I tell you! Good job and good use of wild deer. Just what God put them there for, in my opinion, to fill a need for mankind.[/QUOTE]
I agree. If I can put 1100 lbs this year and Virginia hunters put 238,972 lbs into circulation last year imagine the reality and possibilities across all 50 states.
I know there are those who read this and say things like "Get a job and buy your own food." and "Liberals are always trying to help people looking for a free hand out." I used to say the same things and no, I'm definitely not a liberal. Until I started volunteering to serve the venison or fund raise for these organizations I couldn't possibly understand. When I looked across the serving line into the eyes of children as old as my own who through no fault of their own were hungry. Not whining, not complaining ... just hungry. Mom's ditched by their loser husbands who abandoned them and didn't pay child support. People out of work after 25 working for the same employers. You have to see or feel the repercussions of a recession to know it's impact.
These days there are as many social leeches as always but the face of the hungry is very different. You have to see these faces to truly understand the magnitude of need. I believe strongly in taking care of our own first.
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;37819]What a great story with an even better outcome...awesome!! Congrats on a super season finale! :tu:[/QUOTE]
Thank you WB. True story. I don't know if anyone goes through the same thought patterns but I'm always fighting internal negativity. Maybe that's just an old man, experienced hunter condition.
"You're not going to see anything today."
"The wind is up. They're probably laying down."
"Why are you hunting the same stand location? They're probably on to you."
"You made too much noise going in and you know it. You won't see a thing."
"The mast crop is depleted. There's nothing in this location for them."
"Man it's cold outside. Why don't you just lay back down and call it a day, call it a season?"
But yet, we/I get up out of bed, make it happen and the negativity is either reinforced *or* we're wrong and there's a day like I had finishing the season. A day where everything comes together beyond our wildest expectations. I'll call those blessings and I'll take whatever is sent my way! :wink
6.) Jon - 01/05/2016
I always second guess my hunting location decision, ALWAYS. The obvious instantaneous change in scenery when the deer come out never changes my mind either. "If I was only over there today...." "I knew I should have chosen that ladder stand on the West corner, the wind always changes at 445pm"....... and on and on.
7.) Wild Bob - 01/05/2016
"I agree. If I can put 1100 lbs this year and Virginia hunters put 238,972 lbs into circulation last year imagine the reality and possibilities across all 50 states.
I know there are those who read this and say things like "Get a job and buy your own food." and "Liberals are always trying to help people looking for a free hand out." I used to say the same things and no, I'm definitely not a liberal. Until I started volunteering to serve the venison or fund raise for these organizations I couldn't possibly understand. When I looked across the serving line into the eyes of children as old as my own who through no fault of their own were hungry. Not whining, not complaining ... just hungry. Mom's ditched by their loser husbands who abandoned them and didn't pay child support. People out of work after 25 working for the same employers. You have to see or feel the repercussions of a recession to know it's impact.
These days there are as many social leeches as always but the face of the hungry is very different. You have to see these faces to truly understand the magnitude of need. I believe strongly in taking care of our own first."
- Bob Peck
I'm with you Bob. I have some direct experience in this matter: Locally we have a venision donation program called 'Hunt for Humanity' and it is a wonderful program that helps feed many people in need. As far as those in need here; my wife is a Social Worker and works with many single mother families that benefit from our program (so I hear about many of these families...regularly I can assure you). It is not just a simple fix of 'getting a job' for many of these families. As a matter of fact, over 75% of the single mother families that my wife works with are [U]working poor[/U]. They are young and older mothers alike that have been ditched by dead-beat men that have no integrity, and no intentions of trying to take care of their own.
Most of the women my wife provides services for work full time jobs, but for a woman to work at a job that pays at best, $11.00 an hour, provide housing, clothes, transportation and pay utilities...it leaves very little to none for a stabile, healthy diet, let alone extras for the kids like extra circular sporting pursuits or boy scouting or fun toys. Just last night, she informed me about a little guy (5 years old) that is in this situation with his mother. My wife had her first follow up visit with the mother and son since the holidays. She inquired if they had a good Christmas and this little guy excitedly told my wife how Santa had brought him a copy of the 'Minons' movie for Christmas (that was his only Christmas present that was not clothes). He was happy, but tell me, how can I hear that and not look around at my family and friend's kids and think about all the kids that got Xboxes and other toys and gifts in excess of hundreds of dollars and not feel some compassion for this poor kid that was excited to get one movie for Christmas???
And this mother regularly receives food from the Food Bank and Hunters for Humanity. She's told my wife, if it wasn't for assistance from those programs, all they could afford to eat would be Raman Noodles and boxed Mac and Cheese! Thank God they can at least get decent food and not have to live off of cheap processed carbs. Think about how that would make anyone feel; to know that you are working a full time job, and can't even afford to feed your own son half way decent?!
I know there are those who read this and say things like "Get a job and buy your own food." and "Liberals are always trying to help people looking for a free hand out." I used to say the same things and no, I'm definitely not a liberal. Until I started volunteering to serve the venison or fund raise for these organizations I couldn't possibly understand. When I looked across the serving line into the eyes of children as old as my own who through no fault of their own were hungry. Not whining, not complaining ... just hungry. Mom's ditched by their loser husbands who abandoned them and didn't pay child support. People out of work after 25 working for the same employers. You have to see or feel the repercussions of a recession to know it's impact.
These days there are as many social leeches as always but the face of the hungry is very different. You have to see these faces to truly understand the magnitude of need. I believe strongly in taking care of our own first."
- Bob Peck
I'm with you Bob. I have some direct experience in this matter: Locally we have a venision donation program called 'Hunt for Humanity' and it is a wonderful program that helps feed many people in need. As far as those in need here; my wife is a Social Worker and works with many single mother families that benefit from our program (so I hear about many of these families...regularly I can assure you). It is not just a simple fix of 'getting a job' for many of these families. As a matter of fact, over 75% of the single mother families that my wife works with are [U]working poor[/U]. They are young and older mothers alike that have been ditched by dead-beat men that have no integrity, and no intentions of trying to take care of their own.
Most of the women my wife provides services for work full time jobs, but for a woman to work at a job that pays at best, $11.00 an hour, provide housing, clothes, transportation and pay utilities...it leaves very little to none for a stabile, healthy diet, let alone extras for the kids like extra circular sporting pursuits or boy scouting or fun toys. Just last night, she informed me about a little guy (5 years old) that is in this situation with his mother. My wife had her first follow up visit with the mother and son since the holidays. She inquired if they had a good Christmas and this little guy excitedly told my wife how Santa had brought him a copy of the 'Minons' movie for Christmas (that was his only Christmas present that was not clothes). He was happy, but tell me, how can I hear that and not look around at my family and friend's kids and think about all the kids that got Xboxes and other toys and gifts in excess of hundreds of dollars and not feel some compassion for this poor kid that was excited to get one movie for Christmas???
And this mother regularly receives food from the Food Bank and Hunters for Humanity. She's told my wife, if it wasn't for assistance from those programs, all they could afford to eat would be Raman Noodles and boxed Mac and Cheese! Thank God they can at least get decent food and not have to live off of cheap processed carbs. Think about how that would make anyone feel; to know that you are working a full time job, and can't even afford to feed your own son half way decent?!
8.) Bob Peck - 01/05/2016
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;37828]Think about how that would make anyone feel; to know that you are working a full time job, and can't even afford to feed your own son half way decent?![/QUOTE]
Thanks for your post WB. This is a relatively new phenomena, the working poor. I personally choose not to politicize the issue by calling for a $15/hr. min. wage or disparaging the wealthy that worked for it [SIZE=1][I](as opposed to handed it)[/I][/SIZE] but at the end of the day, it's simple ... there's no reason why anyone in this country needs to go hungry.
Thanks for your post WB. This is a relatively new phenomena, the working poor. I personally choose not to politicize the issue by calling for a $15/hr. min. wage or disparaging the wealthy that worked for it [SIZE=1][I](as opposed to handed it)[/I][/SIZE] but at the end of the day, it's simple ... there's no reason why anyone in this country needs to go hungry.
9.) Bob Peck - 01/05/2016
[QUOTE=Jon;37826]I always second guess my hunting location decision, ALWAYS. The obvious instantaneous change in scenery when the deer come out never changes my mind either. "If I was only over there today...." "I knew I should have chosen that ladder stand on the West corner, the wind always changes at 445pm"....... and on and on.[/QUOTE]Then I don't recommend doing what I do sometimes which is putting Plot Watchers near the stands where I might have hunted only to later watch footage of what I might have shot walk right under the stand had I been in it.
Worse than this is sitting in one stand and having pics from another camera send pictures in real time to my phone. Both are like train wrecks ... it's hard not to look.:shocked:
Worse than this is sitting in one stand and having pics from another camera send pictures in real time to my phone. Both are like train wrecks ... it's hard not to look.:shocked:
10.) Jon - 01/05/2016
Sadly, I have these same situations happen on a daily basis. I have a plotwatcher setup on one of my stands and a Covert Cellular setup on another. I'll be hunting at a different farm and my phone goes off with deer on the cellular camera........ I always say to myself "you are a dumbass" but that's hunting, right?
11.) Bob Peck - 01/05/2016
[QUOTE=Jon;37831]Sadly, I have these same situations happen on a daily basis. I have a plotwatcher setup on one of my stands and a Covert Cellular setup on another. I'll be hunting at a different farm and my phone goes off with deer on the cellular camera........ I always say to myself "you are a dumbass" but that's hunting, right?[/QUOTE]
I'm forming a self-help group for hunters who use technology that forces us into confirming we may have made a poor choice in stand selection.
Turn it around, take a deep cleansing breath and say to yourself, under your breath and when no one is looking:
"It's all useful information that does not highlight my failures but rather better prepares me for the next kill." It helps if you hug yourself afterward. :grin:
I'm forming a self-help group for hunters who use technology that forces us into confirming we may have made a poor choice in stand selection.
Turn it around, take a deep cleansing breath and say to yourself, under your breath and when no one is looking:
"It's all useful information that does not highlight my failures but rather better prepares me for the next kill." It helps if you hug yourself afterward. :grin:
12.) Jon - 01/05/2016
Just yesterday morning as I'm driving to work wondering if I should be hunting, my phone goes off and as I check it, this doe was standing 15yds in front of my stand........ Do I keep driving to work? GRRRRRRR
13.) luv2bowhunt - 01/06/2016
I keep a camera at all my stands during the season. As long as I used some sort of 'logic' to come up with my stand choice for the day, I don't sweat it.
.........at least not until AFTER I look at the pictures.
.........at least not until AFTER I look at the pictures.
14.) Jon - 01/06/2016
The cold brought them out yesterday, these 12 stayed at my feeder for 45 minutes.
[URL="https://video-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xpf1/v/t43.1792-2/12450962_1804975273062946_1161292664_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjE1MDAsInJsYSI6MTAyNCwidmVuY29kZV90YWciOiJzdmVfaGQifQ%3D%3D&rl=1500&vabr=202&oh=29675de11c1339b85426252e8bb353af&oe=568D62BE"]https://video-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xpf1/v/t43.1792-2/12450962_1804975273062946_1161292664_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjE1MDAsInJsYSI6MTAyNCwidmVuY29kZV90YWciOiJzdmVfaGQifQ%3D%3D&rl=1500&vabr=202&oh=29675de11c1339b85426252e8bb353af&oe=568D62BE[/URL]
[URL="https://video-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xpf1/v/t43.1792-2/12450962_1804975273062946_1161292664_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjE1MDAsInJsYSI6MTAyNCwidmVuY29kZV90YWciOiJzdmVfaGQifQ%3D%3D&rl=1500&vabr=202&oh=29675de11c1339b85426252e8bb353af&oe=568D62BE"]https://video-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xpf1/v/t43.1792-2/12450962_1804975273062946_1161292664_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjE1MDAsInJsYSI6MTAyNCwidmVuY29kZV90YWciOiJzdmVfaGQifQ%3D%3D&rl=1500&vabr=202&oh=29675de11c1339b85426252e8bb353af&oe=568D62BE[/URL]
15.) Bob Peck - 01/06/2016
[QUOTE=Jon;37856]The cold brought them out yesterday, these 12 stayed at my feeder for 45 minutes.[/QUOTE]
Wonder where the bucks have gone? Or have they dropped their antlers already?
Wonder where the bucks have gone? Or have they dropped their antlers already?
16.) Bob Peck - 01/06/2016
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;37855]I keep a camera at all my stands during the season. As long as I used some sort of 'logic' to come up with my stand choice for the day, I don't sweat it.
.........at least not until AFTER I look at the pictures.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, but what if you were able to check each camera after each hunt?
As soon as I can locate it I'm going to post a video of a deer (buck as I remember) exiting a location directly beneath a tree I was in and never saw or heard. When I got down and swapped the SD card and reviewed at home I dope slapped myself in the head.
.........at least not until AFTER I look at the pictures.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, but what if you were able to check each camera after each hunt?
As soon as I can locate it I'm going to post a video of a deer (buck as I remember) exiting a location directly beneath a tree I was in and never saw or heard. When I got down and swapped the SD card and reviewed at home I dope slapped myself in the head.
17.) Swamp Fox - 01/06/2016
How many times have I told y'all to stop texting and playing with your phones while you're in the stand!
:groan:
:fire:
:groan:
:fire:
18.) bluecat - 01/06/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;37867]How many times have I told y'all to stop [B]s[/B]exting and playing with your [B]thingys[/B] while you're in the stand!
:groan:
:fire:[/QUOTE]
fify
:groan:
:fire:[/QUOTE]
fify
19.) Jon - 01/06/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;37861]Wonder where the bucks have gone? Or have they dropped their antlers already?[/QUOTE]
I have several bucks that have dropped them already, seems early to me.
I have several bucks that have dropped them already, seems early to me.
20.) Wild Bob - 01/06/2016
You guys should try to live in the moment...it makes for a much happier and peaceful existence IMHO. :-)
It's bad enough fighting the urge to second guess one's decision on stand selection - the last thing I'd want is to fuel that fire by seeing pictures about what is going on in another stand location.
It's bad enough fighting the urge to second guess one's decision on stand selection - the last thing I'd want is to fuel that fire by seeing pictures about what is going on in another stand location.
21.) DParker - 01/06/2016
[QUOTE=Jon;37879]I have several bucks that have dropped them already, seems early to me.[/QUOTE]
A guy I work with and who does all of his hunting in Oklahoma said he and his buddies have been seeing the same thing there.
A guy I work with and who does all of his hunting in Oklahoma said he and his buddies have been seeing the same thing there.
22.) Bob Peck - 01/06/2016
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;37882]You guys should try to live in the moment...it makes for a much happier and peaceful existence IMHO. :-)[/QUOTE]
I live in the moment once on stand. Like Jon once I've committed I generally don't change the plan unless conditions warrant.
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;37882]It's bad enough fighting the urge to second guess one's decision on stand selection - the last thing I'd want is to fuel that fire by seeing pictures about what is going on in another stand location.[/QUOTE]
I look at it as data. Ugly, sometimes boring, uneventful, sterile data. I don't bop from one stand to the other or gnash my teeth too much. I don't see one picture of a decent buck and let it influence where I hunt. I look for patterns of behavior based on data. I'm as interested in what I missed and what I didn't. Cameras are a hunter's DVR to replay action they missed.
In order of priority I base my daily stand selection on the following:
1. What camera showed a discernible pattern over a period of at least a week?
2. Where is the food?
3. Where is the bedding area?
4. What travel corridor is being used?
5. What's the weather doing? (wind direction/speed, fronts, temp, etc.)
6. Do I care if I see deer?
7. Is there an area I've not yet hunted?
If I am completely conflicted I'll hunt one location in the morning and move locations for the evening and often still hunting between the two.
I live in the moment once on stand. Like Jon once I've committed I generally don't change the plan unless conditions warrant.
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;37882]It's bad enough fighting the urge to second guess one's decision on stand selection - the last thing I'd want is to fuel that fire by seeing pictures about what is going on in another stand location.[/QUOTE]
I look at it as data. Ugly, sometimes boring, uneventful, sterile data. I don't bop from one stand to the other or gnash my teeth too much. I don't see one picture of a decent buck and let it influence where I hunt. I look for patterns of behavior based on data. I'm as interested in what I missed and what I didn't. Cameras are a hunter's DVR to replay action they missed.
In order of priority I base my daily stand selection on the following:
1. What camera showed a discernible pattern over a period of at least a week?
2. Where is the food?
3. Where is the bedding area?
4. What travel corridor is being used?
5. What's the weather doing? (wind direction/speed, fronts, temp, etc.)
6. Do I care if I see deer?
7. Is there an area I've not yet hunted?
If I am completely conflicted I'll hunt one location in the morning and move locations for the evening and often still hunting between the two.
23.) Wild Bob - 01/06/2016
It's all good, Bob...My comment was meant to be more off handed and light hearted than I think it came across. You don't have to explain on my account.
Luv 2 would tell you that my comment has to do with some evil deep rooted dislike of scouting cameras...and he may be right. :cf: That is the beautiful thing about hunting; we all have our ways and methods and we are all free to exert our efforts as we see fit. :-)
I like your analytical thinking on stand selection...Your last sentence resonates with me as well as I often do that when I'm hunting whitetails: Unless it’s just before or immediately during the time of the rut, or if I am hunting in really big woods habitat with no transitional areas, I rarely stay in one stand all day long.
Luv 2 would tell you that my comment has to do with some evil deep rooted dislike of scouting cameras...and he may be right. :cf: That is the beautiful thing about hunting; we all have our ways and methods and we are all free to exert our efforts as we see fit. :-)
I like your analytical thinking on stand selection...Your last sentence resonates with me as well as I often do that when I'm hunting whitetails: Unless it’s just before or immediately during the time of the rut, or if I am hunting in really big woods habitat with no transitional areas, I rarely stay in one stand all day long.
24.) Bob Peck - 01/06/2016
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;37909]It's all good, Bob...My comment was meant to be more off handed and light hearted than I think it came across. You don't have to explain on my account. [/QUOTE] It's all good brother. No worries. I knew where you were coming from.
25.) Bob Peck - 01/06/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;37863]As soon as I can locate it I'm going to post a video of a deer (buck as I remember) exiting a location directly beneath a tree I was in and never saw or heard. When I got down and swapped the SD card and reviewed at home I dope slapped myself in the head.[/QUOTE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR="#0000FF"]Knew I had it somewhere. I was in the dang tree![/COLOR][/SIZE]
[url]http://vid392.photobucket.com/albums/pp8/zulubob/131024AC_Frame605_zpszp7ismnu.mp4[/url]
[SIZE=4][COLOR="#0000FF"]Knew I had it somewhere. I was in the dang tree![/COLOR][/SIZE]
[url]http://vid392.photobucket.com/albums/pp8/zulubob/131024AC_Frame605_zpszp7ismnu.mp4[/url]
26.) Swamp Fox - 01/07/2016
LOL...
Were you sitting (sleeping?) on that opening or back in the woods?
Your tree must have had some awesome cover, LOL.
Were you sitting (sleeping?) on that opening or back in the woods?
Your tree must have had some awesome cover, LOL.
27.) Jon - 01/07/2016
Sat in a new location last night overlooking the field on the south side of my property since we had a rare south wind. I figured since those dozen deer came to my feeder the afternoon before and fed for over 45 minutes starting right at dark, I would intercept them coming into my woods. Watched a small doe for about 15 minutes feed in the field and then she got nervous and left. About 5 minutes later 2 more big does came out into the field followed by crab claw's brother, a very nice 17" inside spread 8pt that I have on camera all over my woods BUT only at night. I'm moving the plot watcher to watch that field, if he is comfortable doing that every afternoon, I have a good spot to intercept and possibly get a chance at him before he drops his antlers.
Sounds like a good plan, you know what happens to all good plans......
Sounds like a good plan, you know what happens to all good plans......
28.) Wild Bob - 01/07/2016
Good luck Jon, hope you get a shot at him.
29.) Swamp Fox - 01/07/2016
[QUOTE=Jon;37941]... About 5 minutes later 2 more big does came out into the field followed by crab claw's brother, a very nice 17" inside spread 8pt that I have on camera all over my woods BUT only at night. I'm moving the plot watcher to watch that field, if he is comfortable doing that every afternoon, I have a good spot to intercept and possibly get a chance at him before he drops his antlers.
Sounds like a good plan, you know what happens to all good plans......[/QUOTE]
:tu:
Sounds like a good plan, you know what happens to all good plans......[/QUOTE]
:tu:
30.) Bob Peck - 01/07/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;37939]Were you sitting (sleeping?) on that opening or back in the woods? Your tree must have had some awesome cover, LOL.[/QUOTE]
I was in the dang tree 20' above the camera and no I wasn't sleeping. The camera view is WSW. I was mostly facing north watching a ridge line and only occasionally glancing over my shoulder to the access road the buck took. The ground was soft from rain and I obviously didn't hear a thing. I suspect he popped up from the ravine below, crested over the ridge I was watching *and* managed to get by me. Yeah ... I know.
I was in the dang tree 20' above the camera and no I wasn't sleeping. The camera view is WSW. I was mostly facing north watching a ridge line and only occasionally glancing over my shoulder to the access road the buck took. The ground was soft from rain and I obviously didn't hear a thing. I suspect he popped up from the ravine below, crested over the ridge I was watching *and* managed to get by me. Yeah ... I know.
31.) Bob Peck - 01/07/2016
[QUOTE=Jon;37941]Sat in a new location last night overlooking the field on the south side of my property since we had a rare south wind. [/QUOTE] Good God man. When does your season end?
32.) bluecat - 01/07/2016
Jon has gone rogue. The season is over when Jon says it is over.
33.) DParker - 01/07/2016
[QUOTE=bluecat;37977]Jon has gone rogue. The season is over when Jon says it is over.[/QUOTE]
Jon is really Chuck Norris' sock-puppet?!
Jon is really Chuck Norris' sock-puppet?!
34.) Jon - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=bluecat;37977]Jon has gone rogue. The season is over when Jon says it is over.[/QUOTE]
I won't say this is true BUT.........
Jan 30 is our last day
I won't say this is true BUT.........
Jan 30 is our last day
35.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Jon;37992] Jan 30 is our last day[/QUOTE] I'm en route to help you out brother. No worries.
I'm going through withdrawal already. Tomorrow is the start of my first weekend without deer hunting since Oct. Happens every year. First some minor joy that I can take a breather followed by a wandering around wondering what the heck to do with myself.
All I can think of to do is refresh/organize my hunting gear for next year, position my spring turkey gear for deployment and/or hit the woods with a chainsaw to take downed trees off the fence line. Anyone else jonesing?
I'm going through withdrawal already. Tomorrow is the start of my first weekend without deer hunting since Oct. Happens every year. First some minor joy that I can take a breather followed by a wandering around wondering what the heck to do with myself.
All I can think of to do is refresh/organize my hunting gear for next year, position my spring turkey gear for deployment and/or hit the woods with a chainsaw to take downed trees off the fence line. Anyone else jonesing?
36.) Jon - 01/08/2016
I will be in a few weeks, guaranteed.
I do have a gazillion things I want to do before next season. Now that I have learned a ton about the lay of the land and how the deer behave, I'll be much more prepared for next season.
I do have a gazillion things I want to do before next season. Now that I have learned a ton about the lay of the land and how the deer behave, I'll be much more prepared for next season.
37.) bluecat - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;37993] Anyone else jonesing?[/QUOTE]
You bet, but the long slow build up to next season can be sweet. Planning my attack for the future.
Last year I changed up my harness routine as per Swampy's suggestions. (Does that count as a horse pun?). Found that having a 3-D decoy does work when I leave the antlers off, dropped the poundage on my bow and boy was it fun to shoot, got several new deer hanging options (block and tackle and a deer hoist) and found some scent that really works and isn't messy or expensive (hs scent wafers).
This year I'm considering getting a lower poundage bow. I might have to extend my paper route. :wink
I'm also going to reattempt some venison sticks in casings. Made them before but they were kind of dry. I'm going to make sure there is some fat in there and see if that helps.
You bet, but the long slow build up to next season can be sweet. Planning my attack for the future.
Last year I changed up my harness routine as per Swampy's suggestions. (Does that count as a horse pun?). Found that having a 3-D decoy does work when I leave the antlers off, dropped the poundage on my bow and boy was it fun to shoot, got several new deer hanging options (block and tackle and a deer hoist) and found some scent that really works and isn't messy or expensive (hs scent wafers).
This year I'm considering getting a lower poundage bow. I might have to extend my paper route. :wink
I'm also going to reattempt some venison sticks in casings. Made them before but they were kind of dry. I'm going to make sure there is some fat in there and see if that helps.
38.) luv2bowhunt - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;37993]Anyone else jonesing?[/QUOTE]
I'm already in full blown scouting/prepping areas for next season. I typically crawl into the middle of thick clearcuts where no one else would consider hunting, and make new spots for myself. I've worked 2 days on one location and I think I can finish that stand up with one more visit.
I've got 2/3 more areas I want to create in this area this Winter. If this no snow winter keeps up, I think I can get them all done by the end of Feb. Also got my eye on a 5 year old clearcut that is about 200 acres and starting to get that 'impenetrable' look that keeps hunters out and deer in.
I enjoy this prep work about as much as hunting.
......and..........I have a house that was built in 1831 and it just wants to crumble and die. So there is ALWAYS something that needs done or redone or re-redone.
I'm already in full blown scouting/prepping areas for next season. I typically crawl into the middle of thick clearcuts where no one else would consider hunting, and make new spots for myself. I've worked 2 days on one location and I think I can finish that stand up with one more visit.
I've got 2/3 more areas I want to create in this area this Winter. If this no snow winter keeps up, I think I can get them all done by the end of Feb. Also got my eye on a 5 year old clearcut that is about 200 acres and starting to get that 'impenetrable' look that keeps hunters out and deer in.
I enjoy this prep work about as much as hunting.
......and..........I have a house that was built in 1831 and it just wants to crumble and die. So there is ALWAYS something that needs done or redone or re-redone.
39.) luv2bowhunt - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=bluecat;37995] and found some scent that really works[/QUOTE]
Always wondered how you know if it does or doesn't. One day I swear it is working and then they ignore it, or worse yet bust out of there, the next 4 times I hunt. It's hit or miss for me at best, regardless of what brand I've tried.
Always wondered how you know if it does or doesn't. One day I swear it is working and then they ignore it, or worse yet bust out of there, the next 4 times I hunt. It's hit or miss for me at best, regardless of what brand I've tried.
40.) Wild Bob - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;37993]I'm en route to help you out brother. No worries.
I'm going through withdrawal already. Tomorrow is the start of my first weekend without deer hunting since Oct. Happens every year. First some minor joy that I can take a breather followed by a wandering around wondering what the heck to do with myself.
All I can think of to do is refresh/organize my hunting gear for next year, position my spring turkey gear for deployment and/or hit the woods with a chainsaw to take downed trees off the fence line. Anyone else jonesing?[/QUOTE]
Absolutely! That's why I've gotten in to reloading, ice fishing, running a late winter trap line, etc... Anything I can do to keep busy during this time of year. Not to mention pouring over maps, Google earth, and any other scouting / planning that I can do for next season. Although, I will admit that sleeping in a bit with the wife during the weekend is always welcome in the winter. :-)
I'm going through withdrawal already. Tomorrow is the start of my first weekend without deer hunting since Oct. Happens every year. First some minor joy that I can take a breather followed by a wandering around wondering what the heck to do with myself.
All I can think of to do is refresh/organize my hunting gear for next year, position my spring turkey gear for deployment and/or hit the woods with a chainsaw to take downed trees off the fence line. Anyone else jonesing?[/QUOTE]
Absolutely! That's why I've gotten in to reloading, ice fishing, running a late winter trap line, etc... Anything I can do to keep busy during this time of year. Not to mention pouring over maps, Google earth, and any other scouting / planning that I can do for next season. Although, I will admit that sleeping in a bit with the wife during the weekend is always welcome in the winter. :-)
41.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=bluecat;37995]You bet, but the long slow build up to next season can be sweet. Planning my attack for the future. [/QUOTE]
That's a great way of looking at it. I set my sights (pun intended) on spring turkey which is April for us in VA. This breaks up the "long, slow" part and gives me something to look forward to and a great way to check on how the herd weathered winter.
Then there is the summer which is full of hunting land construction/maintenance projects mixed with a ton of practice, recon and stand relocation.
This time of year though I usually find my self wrestling with a sense of accomplishment, relief, depression and hope.
That's a great way of looking at it. I set my sights (pun intended) on spring turkey which is April for us in VA. This breaks up the "long, slow" part and gives me something to look forward to and a great way to check on how the herd weathered winter.
Then there is the summer which is full of hunting land construction/maintenance projects mixed with a ton of practice, recon and stand relocation.
This time of year though I usually find my self wrestling with a sense of accomplishment, relief, depression and hope.
42.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;37998]Although, I will admit that sleeping in a bit with the wife during the weekend is always welcome in the winter. :-)[/QUOTE]
Funny you should mention that. During hunting season my wife periodically takes up temporary residency in one of our spare bedrooms so I don't wake her getting ready to hunt. This time of year is her annual semi-permanent migration back and I'll admit she provides much more warmth than the dog. :wink
Funny you should mention that. During hunting season my wife periodically takes up temporary residency in one of our spare bedrooms so I don't wake her getting ready to hunt. This time of year is her annual semi-permanent migration back and I'll admit she provides much more warmth than the dog. :wink
43.) bluecat - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;37997]Always wondered how you know if it does or doesn't. One day I swear it is working and then they ignore it, or worse yet bust out of there, the next 4 times I hunt. It's hit or miss for me at best, regardless of what brand I've tried.[/QUOTE]
Good point. I witnessed my buck wanting to make baby deer with my decoy so I'm guessing her perfume was right. Who's to say the decoy didn't provide all the encouragement though.
At the very least, it wasn't expensive, easy to use, easy to pack up and really puts out some scent.
Good point. I witnessed my buck wanting to make baby deer with my decoy so I'm guessing her perfume was right. Who's to say the decoy didn't provide all the encouragement though.
At the very least, it wasn't expensive, easy to use, easy to pack up and really puts out some scent.
44.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;37996]I'm already in full blown scouting/prepping areas for next season. [/QUOTE]
The prepping part I get. Clearing stuff out without leaves and bramble in your way makes the job easier but scouting? Do you mean scouting in the sense of monitoring deer movement or scouting in the sense of terrain, potential food sources, potential stand sites? I'm thinking the latter.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;37996]I typically crawl into the middle of thick clearcuts where no one else would consider hunting, and make new spots for myself. I've worked 2 days on one location and I think I can finish that stand up with one more visit.[/QUOTE]
Hey wait a minute! Isn't it illegal to disturb the flora and fauna on state land? I may have to report you to Officer Swamp Dumpy of the PA Game Commission.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;37996]I enjoy this prep work about as much as hunting.[/QUOTE]
I'm starting a business catering to rich guys with a ton of land they rarely hunt but occasionally visit to survey their kingdom(s).
In exchange for free and unfettered hunting access (with the exception of the rare times they want to hunt their land) my company with survey, post, timber, improve/establish water features, construct outbuildings, provide periodic security patrols and excavate access roads throughout the property so they can drive their 4-wheelers or side-by-sides around. Of course my time and expenses to provide these services will be paid for via an established budget agreed upon and contractually stipulated.
For additional fees food plots will be professionally installed, feeders maintained and remote cameras kept up so nice pictures will be sent to their cell phones. Solar powered IP cameras will allow them to visually inspect multiple camera angles from their smart phones any time they want.
In exceptional circumstances fee-based hunting clubs will be established complete with structures, access, appropriate insurances and vetting of hunters.
I'm hiring. You interested? If so, you'll need to fill out an application, pass a background check, establish a secret clearance (top secret for some locations) and successfully complete a rigorous interview process which will include revealing GPS coordinates for all your honey hole hunting locations.
The prepping part I get. Clearing stuff out without leaves and bramble in your way makes the job easier but scouting? Do you mean scouting in the sense of monitoring deer movement or scouting in the sense of terrain, potential food sources, potential stand sites? I'm thinking the latter.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;37996]I typically crawl into the middle of thick clearcuts where no one else would consider hunting, and make new spots for myself. I've worked 2 days on one location and I think I can finish that stand up with one more visit.[/QUOTE]
Hey wait a minute! Isn't it illegal to disturb the flora and fauna on state land? I may have to report you to Officer Swamp Dumpy of the PA Game Commission.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;37996]I enjoy this prep work about as much as hunting.[/QUOTE]
I'm starting a business catering to rich guys with a ton of land they rarely hunt but occasionally visit to survey their kingdom(s).
In exchange for free and unfettered hunting access (with the exception of the rare times they want to hunt their land) my company with survey, post, timber, improve/establish water features, construct outbuildings, provide periodic security patrols and excavate access roads throughout the property so they can drive their 4-wheelers or side-by-sides around. Of course my time and expenses to provide these services will be paid for via an established budget agreed upon and contractually stipulated.
For additional fees food plots will be professionally installed, feeders maintained and remote cameras kept up so nice pictures will be sent to their cell phones. Solar powered IP cameras will allow them to visually inspect multiple camera angles from their smart phones any time they want.
In exceptional circumstances fee-based hunting clubs will be established complete with structures, access, appropriate insurances and vetting of hunters.
I'm hiring. You interested? If so, you'll need to fill out an application, pass a background check, establish a secret clearance (top secret for some locations) and successfully complete a rigorous interview process which will include revealing GPS coordinates for all your honey hole hunting locations.
45.) luv2bowhunt - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38002]Do you mean scouting in the sense of monitoring deer movement or scouting in the sense of terrain, potential food sources, potential stand sites?[/QUOTE]
My winter scouting is looking for deer trails, rubs from the previous year, bedding areas, access to stands, terrain, food sources. Trying to understand the big picture. Even if the bucks that made last years rubs are dead, there was a reason they liked an area and a reason they used the trails they used.
Next years bucks will like those areas also for many of the reasons the previous ones did.
Occasionally a few young trees get damaged from my operations.:wink
If you had a real company like that, I would sign up in a heartbeat. I luv doing scouting/prepping for deer hunts. Besides, it's VA. How hard can it be?:-) Each Summer we stay at a house down in Rockbridge Baths outside of Lexington.
The entire area is covered up in deer and cattle farms.
My winter scouting is looking for deer trails, rubs from the previous year, bedding areas, access to stands, terrain, food sources. Trying to understand the big picture. Even if the bucks that made last years rubs are dead, there was a reason they liked an area and a reason they used the trails they used.
Next years bucks will like those areas also for many of the reasons the previous ones did.
Occasionally a few young trees get damaged from my operations.:wink
If you had a real company like that, I would sign up in a heartbeat. I luv doing scouting/prepping for deer hunts. Besides, it's VA. How hard can it be?:-) Each Summer we stay at a house down in Rockbridge Baths outside of Lexington.
The entire area is covered up in deer and cattle farms.
46.) Swamp Fox - 01/08/2016
I think it depends on what kind of season I've had, how much road work was involved, how much sleep I've lost, how big a mess everything is at home and work after putting most of my energy for 4 or 5 months elsewhere, etc.
I've hit Jan 2 and said to myself, "It feels so good when it stops!" and I've also been sad to see the season end, or a little riled at myself for all the deer things I didn't accomplish. Some years, I've bounced right back up to begin prep for the next season; others I've locked the doors, pulled the shades, turned up the heat and hibernated for several weeks, "recovering" and doing nothing outdoor-related; and sometimes I've taken the middle ground and jumped into small game hunting, sometimes telling myself I'm accomplishing some deer scouting along the way, and sometimes knowing that I'm deluded, that this has nothing to do with deer, or at the very least is a pretty weak attempt to gain any real benefit, for the energy expended.
My fishing season starts up pretty soon after deer season closes, weather permitting, and so even if there weren't work and personal issues to catch up on, the prep work for that tends to narrow my focus.
So I guess you could say that fishing, small game, exhaustion and reality all tend to butt heads with the deer hunting jones. I'm not sure that even combined they completely vanquish it, though, LOL.
I go back and forth whether a longer deer season would be a good idea/be good for me, or if it would destroy me....:wink
I've hit Jan 2 and said to myself, "It feels so good when it stops!" and I've also been sad to see the season end, or a little riled at myself for all the deer things I didn't accomplish. Some years, I've bounced right back up to begin prep for the next season; others I've locked the doors, pulled the shades, turned up the heat and hibernated for several weeks, "recovering" and doing nothing outdoor-related; and sometimes I've taken the middle ground and jumped into small game hunting, sometimes telling myself I'm accomplishing some deer scouting along the way, and sometimes knowing that I'm deluded, that this has nothing to do with deer, or at the very least is a pretty weak attempt to gain any real benefit, for the energy expended.
My fishing season starts up pretty soon after deer season closes, weather permitting, and so even if there weren't work and personal issues to catch up on, the prep work for that tends to narrow my focus.
So I guess you could say that fishing, small game, exhaustion and reality all tend to butt heads with the deer hunting jones. I'm not sure that even combined they completely vanquish it, though, LOL.
I go back and forth whether a longer deer season would be a good idea/be good for me, or if it would destroy me....:wink
47.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;38003]My winter scouting is looking for deer trails, rubs from the previous year, bedding areas, access to stands, terrain, food sources. Trying to understand the big picture. [/QUOTE]
Roger that.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;38003]Occasionally a few young trees get damaged from my operations.:wink[/QUOTE]
Lol! :laugh:
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;38003]If you had a real company like that, I would sign up in a heartbeat. I luv doing scouting/prepping for deer hunts.[/QUOTE]
How do you know I don't have a real company like that? You never visit despite multiple threats to do so.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;38003]Besides, it's VA. How hard can it be?:-) [/QUOTE]
Who said anything about VA? There are rich guys with too much money and land everywhere. Small minds think small. Sheesh.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;38003]Each Summer we stay at a house down in Rockbridge Baths outside of Lexington.[/QUOTE]
Rockbridge Baths is exactly 32 miles from my home. What a dirt bag you are to be so close and not even share a beer with an old internet friend. :wink
Roger that.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;38003]Occasionally a few young trees get damaged from my operations.:wink[/QUOTE]
Lol! :laugh:
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;38003]If you had a real company like that, I would sign up in a heartbeat. I luv doing scouting/prepping for deer hunts.[/QUOTE]
How do you know I don't have a real company like that? You never visit despite multiple threats to do so.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;38003]Besides, it's VA. How hard can it be?:-) [/QUOTE]
Who said anything about VA? There are rich guys with too much money and land everywhere. Small minds think small. Sheesh.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;38003]Each Summer we stay at a house down in Rockbridge Baths outside of Lexington.[/QUOTE]
Rockbridge Baths is exactly 32 miles from my home. What a dirt bag you are to be so close and not even share a beer with an old internet friend. :wink
48.) DParker - 01/08/2016
Our deer season ended this past Sunday (Jan. 3)...but I console myself by remembering that there are other (and even better in some ways) things in the woods that I can still hunt for a while. For instance, I can hunt (with either bow or rifle/shotgun) feral hogs on multiple public land units until Mar. 31. There are also several places I can still blast squirrels (one of my favorite things to do) until Feb. 7, and then again for the entire month of May.
Besides, I'd much rather put a hog in the freezer than a deer anyway (the former are much tastier). And if I'm being honest, I think I dig the overall experience of a spot-and-stalk squirrel hunt more than sitting in a stand waiting for deer to show up. Sure, I do thoroughly enjoy the mental/emotional battery recharging that comes from the peace and quiet of the woods while sitting and watching/listening intently, and nothing beats the adrenaline rush at the moment if/when you finally do get a chance to draw on a whitetail. But those latter moments are so few and far between for me that, comparatively, the action of a squirrel chase does a much better job of scratching the actual hunting itch.
Besides, I'd much rather put a hog in the freezer than a deer anyway (the former are much tastier). And if I'm being honest, I think I dig the overall experience of a spot-and-stalk squirrel hunt more than sitting in a stand waiting for deer to show up. Sure, I do thoroughly enjoy the mental/emotional battery recharging that comes from the peace and quiet of the woods while sitting and watching/listening intently, and nothing beats the adrenaline rush at the moment if/when you finally do get a chance to draw on a whitetail. But those latter moments are so few and far between for me that, comparatively, the action of a squirrel chase does a much better job of scratching the actual hunting itch.
49.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38005]how big a mess everything is at home[/QUOTE]
How much of a mess can it be? You're single. :-)
Your place is only like 120 sq ft right?
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38005]I've hit Jan 2 and said to myself, "It feels so good when it stops!" and I've also been sad to see the season end, or a little riled at myself for all the deer things I didn't accomplish. [/QUOTE]
I hear ya and I feel it too. This is the ying and yang of a hunters life.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38005]Some years, I've bounced right back up to begin prep for the next season; others I've locked the doors, pulled the shades, turned up the heat and hibernated for several weeks, "recovering" and doing nothing outdoor-related; and sometimes I've taken the middle ground and jumped into small game hunting, sometimes telling myself I'm accomplishing some deer scouting along the way, and sometimes knowing that I'm deluded, that this has nothing to do with deer, or at the very least is a pretty weak attempt to gain any real benefit, for the energy expended. [/QUOTE]
Nicely constructed string of words. You could have a future as an outdoor writer.
How much of a mess can it be? You're single. :-)
Your place is only like 120 sq ft right?
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38005]I've hit Jan 2 and said to myself, "It feels so good when it stops!" and I've also been sad to see the season end, or a little riled at myself for all the deer things I didn't accomplish. [/QUOTE]
I hear ya and I feel it too. This is the ying and yang of a hunters life.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38005]Some years, I've bounced right back up to begin prep for the next season; others I've locked the doors, pulled the shades, turned up the heat and hibernated for several weeks, "recovering" and doing nothing outdoor-related; and sometimes I've taken the middle ground and jumped into small game hunting, sometimes telling myself I'm accomplishing some deer scouting along the way, and sometimes knowing that I'm deluded, that this has nothing to do with deer, or at the very least is a pretty weak attempt to gain any real benefit, for the energy expended. [/QUOTE]
Nicely constructed string of words. You could have a future as an outdoor writer.
50.) Swamp Fox - 01/08/2016
Squirrel hunting is one of my all-time favorite things to do, for much the same reason as you say. The sneaking around after hogs this time of year is on the same level, compared to stand hunting. Wish I had the same opportunities to do that as I used to...Also, we need a year or two where, during hog time, the water isn't up to your belt in some of my old areas, LOL
For a while I was all hot and bothered about javelina hunting in AZ after deer season closed here. I figured it would be a welcome change from sitting in a tree, which I think I'm more prone to get burned out on these days.
For a while I was all hot and bothered about javelina hunting in AZ after deer season closed here. I figured it would be a welcome change from sitting in a tree, which I think I'm more prone to get burned out on these days.
51.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=DParker;38008] There are also several places I can still blast squirrels (one of my favorite things to do) ... [/QUOTE]
Dumb question perhaps because I've never "hunted" squirrels (which is not to say I haven't iced a few that annoyed me while on stand) but I've always meant to ... Is this a .22 rifle-with-scope affair?
Second dumb question ... how many squirrels make a meal or put another way, how many questions can SF answer in succession and still be believable?
[QUOTE=DParker;38008]Besides, I'd much rather put a hog in the freezer than a deer anyway ... [/QUOTE]
I know people that hunt year round bopping from one location and one species to another. Until my quest to become moderately and independently wealthy is accomplished (possibly in another lifetime) I'm not sure I'll get to experience this but I do wonder if I could sustain the effort *and* have fun doing so without ending up in divorce.
Dumb question perhaps because I've never "hunted" squirrels (which is not to say I haven't iced a few that annoyed me while on stand) but I've always meant to ... Is this a .22 rifle-with-scope affair?
Second dumb question ... how many squirrels make a meal or put another way, how many questions can SF answer in succession and still be believable?
[QUOTE=DParker;38008]Besides, I'd much rather put a hog in the freezer than a deer anyway ... [/QUOTE]
I know people that hunt year round bopping from one location and one species to another. Until my quest to become moderately and independently wealthy is accomplished (possibly in another lifetime) I'm not sure I'll get to experience this but I do wonder if I could sustain the effort *and* have fun doing so without ending up in divorce.
52.) luv2bowhunt - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38009]Nicely constructed string of words. You could have a future as an outdoor writer.[/QUOTE]
Don't encourage him. It was a f'n run-on sentence and you know it. I was out of breath until I got to the last punctuation mark.:tu:
Don't encourage him. It was a f'n run-on sentence and you know it. I was out of breath until I got to the last punctuation mark.:tu:
53.) luv2bowhunt - 01/08/2016
Not to hijack, but I just got into our office Powerball pool.
All your tickets are now losers.:wave:
All your tickets are now losers.:wave:
54.) Jon - 01/08/2016
Plus, if he ever really did what he types and types about, he'd be everyone's hero...........crap, is he you'ze guys hero?
55.) Swamp Fox - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38012]...
Second dumb question ... how many squirrels make a meal or put another way, how many questions can SF answer in succession and still be believable?
[/QUOTE]
How many questions you got? :wink
Although I know some people who think I'm pretty unbelievable just to begin with...LOL...And I'm not talking about my mom...:shocked:
I can't speak for DP, but here it's either shotgun or .22 (I prefer scoped). In the early season with leaves on the trees, it's hard to get many shots with a .22, but the spot and stalk is easier. After leaves are off the trees, spot and stalk is harder, distances are longer, food is more scarce, and there are (at some point) fewer squirrels in the woods.
With leaves or without, you can "shake the vines" in some areas to roust squirrels hiding above, and that is a shotgun game, or sometimes a two-person game, where one hunter has a scattergun and another stands off with a rifle to watch where the bushytail takes refuge after being jumped.
There's also been a revival of the use of squirrel dogs in the last 10 or 15 years, I'd say. That's mostly a shotgun thing, but a rifle can come in handy for squirrels way up in the nosebleed section.
Every year I look forward to breaking out my favorite .22 and going after squirrels, but shotgun hunts are fun too, especially with a buddy. On my own I pick a rifle much more often.
I'd have more meals if I'd use either before deer season ended. Maybe when I get as old as Billy...:wink
Second dumb question ... how many squirrels make a meal or put another way, how many questions can SF answer in succession and still be believable?
[/QUOTE]
How many questions you got? :wink
Although I know some people who think I'm pretty unbelievable just to begin with...LOL...And I'm not talking about my mom...:shocked:
I can't speak for DP, but here it's either shotgun or .22 (I prefer scoped). In the early season with leaves on the trees, it's hard to get many shots with a .22, but the spot and stalk is easier. After leaves are off the trees, spot and stalk is harder, distances are longer, food is more scarce, and there are (at some point) fewer squirrels in the woods.
With leaves or without, you can "shake the vines" in some areas to roust squirrels hiding above, and that is a shotgun game, or sometimes a two-person game, where one hunter has a scattergun and another stands off with a rifle to watch where the bushytail takes refuge after being jumped.
There's also been a revival of the use of squirrel dogs in the last 10 or 15 years, I'd say. That's mostly a shotgun thing, but a rifle can come in handy for squirrels way up in the nosebleed section.
Every year I look forward to breaking out my favorite .22 and going after squirrels, but shotgun hunts are fun too, especially with a buddy. On my own I pick a rifle much more often.
I'd have more meals if I'd use either before deer season ended. Maybe when I get as old as Billy...:wink
56.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;38013]Don't encourage him. It was a f'n run-on sentence and you know it. I was out of breath until I got to the last punctuation mark.:tu:[/QUOTE]I didn't think the "sarcastic" emoji was clear enough.
57.) DParker - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38012]Dumb question perhaps because I've never "hunted" squirrels (which is not to say I haven't iced a few that annoyed me while on stand) but I've always meant to ... [/QUOTE]
Oh, man...you're missing out on one of the best hunting experiences available to modern man. I think it's well summed up by this old Field and Stream piece: [URL="https://books.google.com/books?id=KC4vOYKt7oMC&pg=PA106&lpg=PA106&dq=field+and+stream+squirrel+hunting+happier&source=bl&ots=wIQfHx7JUs&sig=ibPr-WqRti2DHPORU3UIUM-7Qbk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiRqbqt65rKAhXBMSYKHfgIBQUQ6AEINzAE#v=onepage&q=field%20and%20stream%20squirrel%20hunting%20happier&f=false"]Remember Squirrel Hunting?[/URL]
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38012]Is this a .22 rifle-with-scope affair?[/quote]
It certainly can be (depending on local regs, of course), and is in fact my son's preferred method. His first hunt was with his scoped Ruger 10/22, and his first kill a fix squirrel from about 60 yds. I stick to using a 12 ga myself, which allows me to take some shots when they're running along a tree branch...or even the bow on occasion.
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38012]Second dumb question ... how many squirrels make a meal...[/quote]
That depends on the recipe, how hungry you are and what species/age bushy-tails you're bagging. It could be as few as one mature fox squirrels slow cooked in a crock pot and then shredded into something where the meat is just part of a meat and veggie sauce ladle over rice...or as many as a half dozen or so young cat (grey) squirrel pan fried and eaten right off the bone like chicken (with gravy and biscuits, of course).
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38012]I know people that hunt year round bopping from one location and one species to another. Until my quest to become moderately and independently wealthy is accomplished (possibly in another lifetime) I'm not sure I'll get to experience this but I do wonder if I could sustain the effort *and* have fun doing so without ending up in divorce.[/QUOTE]
Well, with Texas summers being what they are there's no danger of me ever hunting year 'round here. However, I'm at least at that point in my marriage where the wife actually encourages me to take advantage of hunting opportunities as much as I can because it keeps me happy AND out from underfoot every now and then (likely more the latter than the former).
Oh, man...you're missing out on one of the best hunting experiences available to modern man. I think it's well summed up by this old Field and Stream piece: [URL="https://books.google.com/books?id=KC4vOYKt7oMC&pg=PA106&lpg=PA106&dq=field+and+stream+squirrel+hunting+happier&source=bl&ots=wIQfHx7JUs&sig=ibPr-WqRti2DHPORU3UIUM-7Qbk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiRqbqt65rKAhXBMSYKHfgIBQUQ6AEINzAE#v=onepage&q=field%20and%20stream%20squirrel%20hunting%20happier&f=false"]Remember Squirrel Hunting?[/URL]
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38012]Is this a .22 rifle-with-scope affair?[/quote]
It certainly can be (depending on local regs, of course), and is in fact my son's preferred method. His first hunt was with his scoped Ruger 10/22, and his first kill a fix squirrel from about 60 yds. I stick to using a 12 ga myself, which allows me to take some shots when they're running along a tree branch...or even the bow on occasion.
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38012]Second dumb question ... how many squirrels make a meal...[/quote]
That depends on the recipe, how hungry you are and what species/age bushy-tails you're bagging. It could be as few as one mature fox squirrels slow cooked in a crock pot and then shredded into something where the meat is just part of a meat and veggie sauce ladle over rice...or as many as a half dozen or so young cat (grey) squirrel pan fried and eaten right off the bone like chicken (with gravy and biscuits, of course).
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38012]I know people that hunt year round bopping from one location and one species to another. Until my quest to become moderately and independently wealthy is accomplished (possibly in another lifetime) I'm not sure I'll get to experience this but I do wonder if I could sustain the effort *and* have fun doing so without ending up in divorce.[/QUOTE]
Well, with Texas summers being what they are there's no danger of me ever hunting year 'round here. However, I'm at least at that point in my marriage where the wife actually encourages me to take advantage of hunting opportunities as much as I can because it keeps me happy AND out from underfoot every now and then (likely more the latter than the former).
58.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38016]How many questions you got? :wink[/QUOTE]
I've got exactly half as many questions as you do answers. :-)
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38016] I can't speak for DP[/QUOTE]
You're darn right you can't. The man's a living legend and an attorney.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38016] here it's either shotgun or .22 (I prefer scoped).[/QUOTE]
Shotgun? Yikes. Even with a .410 I'm not sure I'd enjoy picking the shot out of that itty bitty body.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38016] In the early season with leaves on the trees, it's hard to get many shots with a .22, but the spot and stalk is easier. After leaves are off the trees, spot and stalk is harder, distances are longer, food is more scarce, and there are (at some point) fewer squirrels in the woods. [/QUOTE]
We have an abundance of grey, black and fox squirrels. When I say abundance, I *DO* mean abundance. I swear I could sit in any one of my stands and knock off a half dozen in an hour. I don't know if one eats better than the other (the fox squirrels are the size of small cats) but the dang things are everywhere.
I've got exactly half as many questions as you do answers. :-)
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38016] I can't speak for DP[/QUOTE]
You're darn right you can't. The man's a living legend and an attorney.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38016] here it's either shotgun or .22 (I prefer scoped).[/QUOTE]
Shotgun? Yikes. Even with a .410 I'm not sure I'd enjoy picking the shot out of that itty bitty body.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38016] In the early season with leaves on the trees, it's hard to get many shots with a .22, but the spot and stalk is easier. After leaves are off the trees, spot and stalk is harder, distances are longer, food is more scarce, and there are (at some point) fewer squirrels in the woods. [/QUOTE]
We have an abundance of grey, black and fox squirrels. When I say abundance, I *DO* mean abundance. I swear I could sit in any one of my stands and knock off a half dozen in an hour. I don't know if one eats better than the other (the fox squirrels are the size of small cats) but the dang things are everywhere.
59.) Swamp Fox - 01/08/2016
What is this?...Pick On Swampy Day?
You don't get that many pellets in a squirrel on the longer shots, which is most of what you get in the late season, and under your control in the early season. But I know what you're saying.
If you ever do take the opportunity to hunt squirrels in January and February, you'll notice how many fewer you see compared to October and November, and especially on public land.
You don't get that many pellets in a squirrel on the longer shots, which is most of what you get in the late season, and under your control in the early season. But I know what you're saying.
If you ever do take the opportunity to hunt squirrels in January and February, you'll notice how many fewer you see compared to October and November, and especially on public land.
60.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=DParker;38018]Oh, man...you're missing out on one of the best hunting experiences available to modern man. [/QUOTE] Frankly, squirrel hunting like racoon or possum or crow or dove or ... never occurred to me. Not bad, not good. Just never occurred to me mostly because it wasn't part of my training program growing up.
I'm not sure this a north-vs-south cultural thing but when I first moved to VA it's all I every heard from the hunters I began to circulate among. Like the vegetarian deer, I can easily see a squirrel (like the rabbits I used to hunt as a kid) would be tasty.
[QUOTE=DParker;38018]Well, with Texas summers being what they are there's no danger of me ever hunting year 'round here. [/QUOTE]
I'm speaking more of the financial resources and time to hunt in any state or country at any time of the year. I know industry people who do this and some local rich guys who go to my church but I just can't bring myself to go to that level of selfishness and expense. I feel guilty sometimes just spending a full day or weekend.
Then again, my kids are older (24,19 and 16) and once the youngest is off to college next year I'll be so broke I can safely put all this pondering to rest.
I'm not sure this a north-vs-south cultural thing but when I first moved to VA it's all I every heard from the hunters I began to circulate among. Like the vegetarian deer, I can easily see a squirrel (like the rabbits I used to hunt as a kid) would be tasty.
[QUOTE=DParker;38018]Well, with Texas summers being what they are there's no danger of me ever hunting year 'round here. [/QUOTE]
I'm speaking more of the financial resources and time to hunt in any state or country at any time of the year. I know industry people who do this and some local rich guys who go to my church but I just can't bring myself to go to that level of selfishness and expense. I feel guilty sometimes just spending a full day or weekend.
Then again, my kids are older (24,19 and 16) and once the youngest is off to college next year I'll be so broke I can safely put all this pondering to rest.
61.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38020]What is this?...Pick On Swampy Day? [/QUOTE]
Nobody really likes you except Bluecat and maybe Wild Bob who's kind to everyone. I thought you knew that? :re:
Nobody really likes you except Bluecat and maybe Wild Bob who's kind to everyone. I thought you knew that? :re:
62.) luv2bowhunt - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38020]What is this?...Pick On Swampy Day?[/QUOTE]
Not to worry Chris. I'll stick up for you just as much as you did for me all these years.
So here goes.........................ummmm..........................................................:nta:
Not to worry Chris. I'll stick up for you just as much as you did for me all these years.
So here goes.........................ummmm..........................................................:nta:
63.) DParker - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38020]What is this?...Pick On Swampy Day?[/QUOTE]
Yeah, what the hell? I thought that was Tuesdays. :tap:
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38021]Frankly, squirrel hunting like racoon or possum or crow or dove or ... never occurred to me. Not bad, not good. Just never occurred to me mostly because it wasn't part of my training program growing up.[/quote]
I didn't even have a training program. My father didn't hunt at all, and I grew up in the deserts of AZ & NV. My first hunting experience was when we moved to TN when I was 16. A couple of my much older (in their early '30s at the time) cousins took me out with their beagles to jump rabbits. Most of the hunt consisted of me walking behind one of the dumbasses while he had his 12 ga slung over his shoulder, pointed back in my general direction...and an open bottle of Jack Daniels in the other. After surviving that I didn't take another stab at hunting until I took my son out for his first hunt (for squirrels) at the age of 12...and I was 43.
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38021]I'm not sure this a north-vs-south cultural thing but when I first moved to VA it's all I every heard from the hunters I began to circulate among. Like the vegetarian deer, I can easily see a squirrel (like the rabbits I used to hunt as a kid) would be tasty.[/quote]
I think my daughter described it best the first time she tried, saying that the closest thing she could relate the taste to was dark turkey meat.
Yeah, what the hell? I thought that was Tuesdays. :tap:
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38021]Frankly, squirrel hunting like racoon or possum or crow or dove or ... never occurred to me. Not bad, not good. Just never occurred to me mostly because it wasn't part of my training program growing up.[/quote]
I didn't even have a training program. My father didn't hunt at all, and I grew up in the deserts of AZ & NV. My first hunting experience was when we moved to TN when I was 16. A couple of my much older (in their early '30s at the time) cousins took me out with their beagles to jump rabbits. Most of the hunt consisted of me walking behind one of the dumbasses while he had his 12 ga slung over his shoulder, pointed back in my general direction...and an open bottle of Jack Daniels in the other. After surviving that I didn't take another stab at hunting until I took my son out for his first hunt (for squirrels) at the age of 12...and I was 43.
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38021]I'm not sure this a north-vs-south cultural thing but when I first moved to VA it's all I every heard from the hunters I began to circulate among. Like the vegetarian deer, I can easily see a squirrel (like the rabbits I used to hunt as a kid) would be tasty.[/quote]
I think my daughter described it best the first time she tried, saying that the closest thing she could relate the taste to was dark turkey meat.
64.) Swamp Fox - 01/08/2016
That last quote is Bob Peck, not me.
That's a pretty good description of the meat, though. Some of it is a little less "dark meat" than other, though, taste-wise.
I think my favorite recipe is teriyaki-based in a pressure cooker.
That's a pretty good description of the meat, though. Some of it is a little less "dark meat" than other, though, taste-wise.
I think my favorite recipe is teriyaki-based in a pressure cooker.
65.) bluecat - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38022]Nobody really likes you except Bluecat and maybe Wild Bob who's kind to everyone. I thought you knew that? :re:[/QUOTE]
I like Swampy?
I like Swampy?
66.) Swamp Fox - 01/08/2016
Luv2--Clear your inbox. Thx.
67.) Swamp Fox - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=bluecat;38028]I like Swampy?[/QUOTE]
Well, not in that way...I hope...
LOL
Well, not in that way...I hope...
LOL
68.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=bluecat;38028]I like Swampy?[/QUOTE] It's official then. Nobody likes him except maybe WB. :-)
69.) Swamp Fox - 01/08/2016
No, that's not right. I think I ran Wild Bob off for at least 3 years....Maybe longer...
He only puts up with me now because I'll talk hunting philosophy...and he's living in Montana...:wink
He only puts up with me now because I'll talk hunting philosophy...and he's living in Montana...:wink
70.) DParker - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;38027]That last quote is Bob Peck, not me.[/QUOTE]
Why, I'm sure I have no idea what you're referring to, suh! :wink
Why, I'm sure I have no idea what you're referring to, suh! :wink
71.) Swamp Fox - 01/08/2016
Thank you, sir. :wink
72.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=DParker;38026]I didn't even have a training program. [/QUOTE]
[B]Mine started 50 years ago at age 7 when my Dad decided I was ready to fire one of these[/B]
[B]From there things quickly escalated to snow shoes, 5' of snow on the ground, 4 a.m. wake up calls and rabbit hunting with my beagle. My job was to carry the dead rabbits. First time out my Dad almost shot my dog because she instinctively began to run deer. Duh. I remember asking [I]"You have to train dogs don't you Dad?" [/I] That didn't go over so well. It was all uphill from there![/B]
[B]Mine started 50 years ago at age 7 when my Dad decided I was ready to fire one of these[/B]
[B]From there things quickly escalated to snow shoes, 5' of snow on the ground, 4 a.m. wake up calls and rabbit hunting with my beagle. My job was to carry the dead rabbits. First time out my Dad almost shot my dog because she instinctively began to run deer. Duh. I remember asking [I]"You have to train dogs don't you Dad?" [/I] That didn't go over so well. It was all uphill from there![/B]
73.) DParker - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38036][B]Mine started 50 years ago at age 7 when my Dad decided I was ready to fire one of these[/B]
[/QUOTE]
Nice 1903 that looks to be in very good condition. Do you still have it?
[/QUOTE]Nice 1903 that looks to be in very good condition. Do you still have it?
74.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=DParker;38037]Nice 1903 that looks to be in very good condition. Do you still have it?[/QUOTE] We may soon have to register our guns so I'm taking the 5th.
75.) DParker - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;38039]We may soon have to register our guns so I'm taking the 5th.[/QUOTE]
What's that old saying? "If you think it's time to bury your weapons, it's time to use them."
What's that old saying? "If you think it's time to bury your weapons, it's time to use them."
76.) Swamp Fox - 01/08/2016
:tu:
(I was never part of this thread...)
(I was never part of this thread...)
77.) Bob Peck - 01/08/2016
[QUOTE=DParker;38042]What's that old saying? "If you think it's time to bury your weapons, it's time to use them."[/QUOTE]
78.) XJCraver - 01/09/2016
Great thread Bob. :tu:
None of you guys coyote hunt? After our deer season goes out on the 17th I'm chasing yotes until turkey comes in in the spring. No real doldrums here until summertime.
August is usually the worst, as it's too hot and muggy to do anything outside involving camo. Squirrel season starts Aug. 1st here every year, but I tried that once and decided it's not for me - trying to see thru a scope with sweat dripping in your eyes just isn't any fun at all..
None of you guys coyote hunt? After our deer season goes out on the 17th I'm chasing yotes until turkey comes in in the spring. No real doldrums here until summertime.
August is usually the worst, as it's too hot and muggy to do anything outside involving camo. Squirrel season starts Aug. 1st here every year, but I tried that once and decided it's not for me - trying to see thru a scope with sweat dripping in your eyes just isn't any fun at all..
79.) Swamp Fox - 01/09/2016
Not enough coyotes here to mess with, compared with doing something else. I keep my ears open for opportunities, but haven't come up with anything consistent.
80.) DParker - 01/09/2016
First kill, spot-and-stalk...10 years ago:
81.) billy b - 01/09/2016
Congrats to him.
82.) DParker - 01/09/2016
His 13 year-old self thanks you from the past.
I was just trying to show Bob what a smile squirrel hunting puts on your face ('course, part of that is just him squinting because the sun was in his eyes), as well as address the "scoped rifle" portion of his question.
I was just trying to show Bob what a smile squirrel hunting puts on your face ('course, part of that is just him squinting because the sun was in his eyes), as well as address the "scoped rifle" portion of his question.
83.) Swamp Fox - 01/09/2016
:tu:
84.) Wild Bob - 01/09/2016
That's a nice big squirrel Parker! Congrats to your son. :tu:
85.) Wild Bob - 01/09/2016
Here are a couple of squirrel hunting pics from back when we lived in Tennessee.
First picture is from one day when my youngest accompanied me. He wanted to take 'his' gun along on the hunt:
[URL=http://s763.photobucket.com/user/WildBob_2009/media/8739909_orig_zpsut3e6d9b.jpg.html]
[/URL]
I agree with you guys that enjoy getting out there and stalking squirrels. I used to really like prowling our place for a mixed bag of squirrels and cottontails.:tu: I miss doing that! :td:
[URL=http://s763.photobucket.com/user/WildBob_2009/media/img003_zpsakqcubsu.jpg.html]
[/URL]
First picture is from one day when my youngest accompanied me. He wanted to take 'his' gun along on the hunt:
[URL=http://s763.photobucket.com/user/WildBob_2009/media/8739909_orig_zpsut3e6d9b.jpg.html]
[/URL]I agree with you guys that enjoy getting out there and stalking squirrels. I used to really like prowling our place for a mixed bag of squirrels and cottontails.:tu: I miss doing that! :td:
[URL=http://s763.photobucket.com/user/WildBob_2009/media/img003_zpsakqcubsu.jpg.html]
[/URL]86.) DParker - 01/09/2016
Given the orange tip on the rifle I'm guessing he snuck up on those squirrels and beat them to death. Now [i]that's[/i] a hunter!
I wish I could find a good place for rabbit hunting around here. I'd rather come home from a day in the field with a sack full of bunnies than just about anything else.
OK, hijack successful. This is now a thread about the simple joys of a day plinking small game.
I wish I could find a good place for rabbit hunting around here. I'd rather come home from a day in the field with a sack full of bunnies than just about anything else.
OK, hijack successful. This is now a thread about the simple joys of a day plinking small game.