Ya gotta use enough gun ( a problem that Stew should never again have). Whoever suggested those .38 loads was a dummy. Regardless, 'tis vastly more inhumane to shoot the darn thing several times and only wound it than to kill it immediately with a bit of a mess. Anyone who complained is putting their prissy sensitivities to a little blood and mess over the interest of minimizing the suffering in the animal. Funny thing is, this is often the mindset of the animal-rights folks I see and read about. Go figure.

Since Randy has shared with us what his newest "toy" is in the area of hunting, fishing, and related paraphanelia, why not take the thread in that direction for awhile?

My latest "toy" is a Ruger Super Redhawk revolver (6-shooter) in .44 Magnum. I topped it with a 2x scope to help my aim as someday I'd like to take it deer hunting, but until I get enough practice for that it is just plain fun to shoot. After 50 rounds the hand starts to get sore, but it is still fun.

Next?

Since Randy has shared with us what his newest "toy" is in the area of hunting, fishing, and related paraphanelia, why not take the thread in that direction for awhile?

My latest is a 1945 Mosin-Nagant M44 carbine (7.62 X 54R), with a folding bayo and a 20" barrel it's capable of punching through concrete blocks, putting 5 rounds in a 2.5" spread at 100 yards, and belches a foot long flame from the barrel with every shot. :eek: Lots of fun! ;)

So far with it, I now have 2 M-N's and 2 WWII Mausers and am just beginning to have fun collecting these Mil-Surps.

David:

My latest is a Mosin-Nagant, as well, stamped 1939. I couldn't tell what the emblem was on the reciever was, but my gunsmith tells me its a hammer and crescent. 1939 in Russia? Wonder what stories it could tell...

If anyone knows where I can get a correct stock, bayonet, and cleaning rod, let me know. The stock on it was sporterized (@!!*%#).

I have had this one a while, so it is getting time to splurge again!

Craig

David:

My latest is a Mosin-Nagant, as well, stamped 1939. I couldn't tell what the emblem was on the reciever was, but my gunsmith tells me its a hammer and crescent. 1939 in Russia? Wonder what stories it could tell...

If anyone knows where I can get a correct stock, bayonet, and cleaning rod, let me know. The stock on it was sporterized (@!!*%#).

I have had this one a while, so it is getting time to splurge again!

Craig

Craig, The symbol your looking at is the Soviet hammer and sickle. As far as stocks, etc. you might try Tennessee Gun Parts at www.tngunparts.com - the last time I visited their site they were offering the parts your looking for. :bigwave:

David:

I sent them an email, and they are asking for dimensions. This looks real good. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the link!

Craig

Craig, The symbol your looking at is the Soviet hammer and sickle. As far as stocks, etc. you might try Tennessee Gun Parts at www.tngunparts.com - the last time I visited their site they were offering the parts your looking for. :bigwave:

Whoooops!

Took my daughter out fishing last night, she had a blast. I got her a Winnie the Pooh fishing pole and we had to try it out. I caught a 17" bass and had it on a tag line, she kept pulling it up going "caught ya". She loved pulling up the little Bluegills with her line. We had a great time. Tonight, pan fry!!!

Took my daughter out fishing last night, she had a blast. I got her a Winnie the Pooh fishing pole and we had to try it out. I caught a 17" bass and had it on a tag line, she kept pulling it up going "caught ya". She loved pulling up the little Bluegills with her line. We had a great time. Tonight, pan fry!!!

Last week, we had a fishing type party off of my sister's dock. One of the adults, fishing with 12 lb test line (for Pike he says), hooked a huge Snapping Turtle through the breast plate. The line would not break and allowed everybody a good look at the size of this critter. I mean, HUGE! It finally snapped. Well, after that, there were at least 6 reports from the kids that they had been bit by a turtle. These reports were accompanied with crying and showing the imaginary bite marks to their parents. The parents were very upset and believed that the turtle came back. I tried to assuage their concerns by telling them if that turtle was biting them, there would be body parts missing. However, the occasional fleeing from the water continued until dusk. :vfunny: :smokin:

Yep, those bad boys get big and mean. We caught a couple last year with some chicken. If either one of them had bit us we would have had chunks missing. They made some good soup though.
Another one that we have trouble with is Dog Fish. They'll take your set up in a heart beat.

Whoooops!

Do they have that kind of fish in GA? Perhaps its a New England Roofer's tape measure! :vfunny:

Do they have that kind of fish in GA? Perhaps its a New England Roofer's tape measure! :vfunny:


db, I was wondering why someone would use a bass to measure beer. We usually just use our fingers. When we have to take our shoes off to keep counting, its time to either slow down, or start looking to steal some more from a drinking/fishing/ buddy. Maybe that's how dem yankees came up with "...drinks, like, a fish"??

That is one funny lookin' bass, though. Does it come with inch marks on it? 12 ounce marks? Maybe it thinks I'm the one that put them there, and doesn't want me to do him like that again.

There's something fishy here, on a large scale.

OK, I'm fin-ished with my tail, so don't flipper out.

Maybe it's a new way of fishing, you get the fish so drunk they jump in the boat?

I thought that was a lure for rednecks! :vfunny:

Nice thread, you said wimmens was invited, so sheriff, please don’t let them shoot me. ;)
My husband and I love fishing, though we never find enough time. Many moons ago, when we were first married, we wanted a boat. I started saving, just before our first anniversary; I went to order our boat. The salesman assured me that it would come in on time, for my big surprise. Well, as things go, the trailer arrived, but not the boat. So I hid the trailer, and waited for my husband. As, we rounded the corner, and he seen the trailer, his face lit up. Then he looks at me, and says, “Where’s the boat?” with the look that implied I don’t have to wait another year for the boat, do I? We picked up the boat two days later, and have been enjoying it for years.
The walleye that my husband is holding was caught on Lake Erie, and is hanging on our den wall. Al, he does bottom bounce on the Detroit River, in the earlier spring.
The pike I am holding was caught on Grass Lake, Michigan - which is up by Fletcher’s pond. The pike was released, as we don’t eat pike in the summer and he wasn’t big enough to join the walleye on the wall.
We mainly catch and release. Although we do enjoy an occasional fish fry.

The walleye that my husband is holding was caught on Lake Erie, and is hanging on our den wall. Al, he does bottom bounce on the Detroit River, in the earlier spring.
The pike I am holding was caught on Grass Lake, Michigan - which is up by Fletcher’s pond. The pike was released, as we don’t eat pike in the summer and he wasn’t big enough to join the walleye on the wall.
We mainly catch and release. Although we do enjoy an occasional fish fry.

Welcome to Cove. There are many "wimmins" here and by posting your pic with the fish, they'll be no shooting. In fact, keep your location a secret! :vfunny: Al is a crafty ole devil. Those are great fish. Never caught a Walleye. Not only are they elusive, but there's a limited amount of lakes here that support them. We do have big Pike. There's a Pike farm run by the DEP that breeds them and releases them into Bantam Lake. Everyone talks about a 5 ft'er that destroyed a guy's net when he tried to land him. Like Alligator proportions. :agree:

Walleye are really fun to catch. With their soft lips, you have to be very careful not to horse them in, have to gently bring them to you and if you let up at all, the hook is out and away they go. IMO, walleye is the best eaten. Aluminum foil, add fillet of walleye, onions, butter, a little garlic, put on the grill……. :D
Al can have all the pike in Grass Lake (upper Michigan); they need to be thinned out. I broke a rib, fishing for a week, catching nothing but the pike. We went looking for the big gills, probably were in the bellies of all the pike I threw back.
Energy, hope you get to enjoy the experience of walleye fishing one day.

We went looking for the big gills, probably were in the bellies of all the pike I threw back.
Energy, hope you get to enjoy the experience of walleye fishing one day.

There is, IMHO, the best tasting fresh water pan fish you can eat. I have had Smoked Walleye, so I may be missing something. But, a few dozen Bluegills produces enough tasty fillets to satisfy anyone's appetite for good tasting fish. It's a little bit of work, but not enough for a true fisher-person to do. ;) We're talkin Fish & Chips here without equal. Better than Perch. Yup. :smokin:

I was just notified the Hunting and Fishing Thread appears to have gone missing. Did the thread starter by any chance delete the first post or did someone move it or something?

Ah! That answers that! I thought it had been posted to more recently.

Hi, y'all!!

I tried to find this thread and couldn't. Thanks to those that pointed me in the right direction.

Well, it is well into deer hunting season here. Anyone have any luck yet? I've seen several, but have yet to take a shot...

A friend of mine, a 16 year old son of a long-time hunting club member (and friend) had a great opening morning. A 6 point was out in the field in front of his stand. He took that buck with 1 shot, and was waiting for things to quiet down before he climbed down from his stand. Suddenly, a real nice 8-point walked directly below him. He took that one, too.

The season limit for bucks in GA is 2. His buck hunting was over for the year by 8:30 opening morning!

I'd be happy with just one of those deer. Maybe this weekend.


Craig

Hi, y'all!!

I tried to find this thread and couldn't. Thanks to those that pointed me in the right direction.

Well, it is well into deer hunting season here. Anyone have any luck yet? I've seen several, but have yet to take a shot...

A friend of mine, a 16 year old son of a long-time hunting club member (and friend) had a great opening morning. A 6 point was out in the field in front of his stand. He took that buck with 1 shot, and was waiting for things to quiet down before he climbed down from his stand. Suddenly, a real nice 8-point walked directly below him. He took that one, too.

The season limit for bucks in GA is 2. His buck hunting was over for the year by 8:30 opening morning!

I'd be happy with just one of those deer. Maybe this weekend.


Craig

Craig, how could you bring such a disgusting and sad tale to us. I find this to be an exceptionally cruel practice! :( Now this poor lad has nothing left to look forward to for a year. :mad:

But wait! Could he get an out-of-state license to hunt in another state? :confused:

Hey 8 points for a 16 year old is a major bragging thing. In fact, I think it is a major bragging thing for an adult too!

Craig,

Thanks for gettin' this thread going again. Firearms season is the only deer hunting I do at this time, and we still have a few weeks to wait for that. I'm trying to get in enough practice with my Ruger .44 handgun to maybe hunt with it some this year, but time is ticking away on me, so not sure if I will be a rifle-only guy or not. Didn't get lucky last year but it was bitter cold and we had snow, and I almost had a nice 8-pointer until he happened to cross my trail to my stand and spooked just before I could get a shot off. Such is hunting...

Hi, Dave and Mike!

We have been blessed with too many deer here in GA. Including bow/crossbow season, we have been hunting about a month now. Its just been too hot to really make it seem like deer season (something a nice 10 point would help solve). Our limit for the year is 10 (not a typo) with only 2 antlered. To top this off, for the last several years more and more clubs have been practicing quality deer management, so there is a better chance than ever of seeing the big one.

I have a picture of John's deer (plural) at home. I'll try to post it here, but it will likely be next week.

I was the first guy back at camp (after John) opening morning. He was afraid we'd be mad about him shooting 2 deer in one morning. If they were small does or button bucks, maybe. 2 deer nicer than any I've even seen in the woods the last couple of years? Jealous, yes but mad? Not hardly.

Lest anyone think I (and I suspect Dave and Mike, too) go hunting for the blood, before condeming anyone why not go out one crisp fall morning before the sun comes up and sit quietly in the woods for a couple of hours? Watch the sun come up. Hear the birds awaken.

Can't wait for Saturday morning.

Craig

Lest anyone think I (and I suspect Dave and Mike, too) go hunting for the blood, before condeming anyone why not go out one crisp fall morning before the sun comes up and sit quietly in the woods for a couple of hours? Watch the sun come up. Hear the birds awaken.

Can't wait for Saturday morning.

Craig

Although we have plenty of deer (I see them almost daily this time of the year - with at least one a day seen as road kill), the last time I was deer hunting was as a teenager when I ended the day with 5 Hungarian pheasant and 2 ring-necks and never saw 1 deer.

But I do love the early September mornings setting under one of my favorite trees, watching the sun rise, and waiting on mister (or miss) bushy-tailed squirrel to settle down on their favorite limb. Since my 9th birthday I have been carrying around a single-shot bolt-action Marlin .22, that's as old as I am, and yet is very capable of bringing home dinner (if I'm patient enough to soak in the beauty surrounding me, and wait for it). :bigwave:

Blood? Nah, hardly. You are right. Just being in the woods and watching nature is great. Yeah, I get bored sitting still for 10 hours if I don't get to watch some does or turkeys or something wild, but I don't need to kill something to make it a good day. Imagine how many football fans would go to the stadium and sit for hours not even knowing for sure if there would be a game played or not -- especially if the odds were actually against it! :vfunny: And deer hunting sure gives you an appreciation for being able to do the simple things we usually take for granted -- like cough!

Blood? Nah, hardly. You are right. Just being in the woods and watching nature is great. Yeah, I get bored sitting still for 10 hours if I don't get to watch some does or turkeys or something wild, but I don't need to kill something to make it a good day. Imagine how many football fans would go to the stadium and sit for hours not even knowing for sure if there would be a game played or not -- especially if the odds were actually against it! :vfunny: And deer hunting sure gives you an appreciation for being able to do the simple things we usually take for granted -- like cough!


Yeah, even the mishaps can be funny. Like the time I went to a stand for the first time in the season a few years ago. I looked all around it to be sure there were no wasp nests before I climbed up. Got up, sat down, and was quickly swarmed. Sneaky so-and-sos had built their nest INSIDE one of the pipes the stand was made from. Out of 8 or 9 rungs, I think I used 2 on the way down. Fortunately, my rifle was still hanging from the rope. Somehow, the stingers all missed.

I made the mistake of telling my hunting "buddies" about it. Boy, did it make their day. They all talked about how much they would have paid to see it, etc. There's no way I could have looked that funny. Now, if it had happened to one of them...

As far as the football analogy goes, how about sitting in a stadium (tree stand) and not knowing if you are going to see 2 bucks duke it out? I've heard it, and I have seen where a big "throw-down" occurred, but have never actually seen one happen, except on TV. I suspect that the finest NFL linebacker wouldn't stand a chance against a big buck. And, except for the cost of a rifle, cammo, ammo, 4 wheel drive truck, accessories, license, and hunting lease, hunting is free!!!

Good luck this weekend

Craig

Craig,

Bees, huh? That's bad. I would never laugh at the unfortnate experience of a fellow hunter. I can see it now --first a very non-rythmic dance on the stand platform, complete with flailing of the arms and a few choice words, followed by a very quick exit down the ladder. Terrible. (Snicker - snicker.)

Luckily I never had the bee run-in (while hunting -- often when not hunting) but I very nearly became physically involved with a poisonous snake or two. But I'm sure I remained completely composed the entire time. :rolleyes:

Kinda reminds me -- did you ever read the outdoor humor writer Patrick F. McManus? Some of his earlier work, like "They Shoot Canoes, Don't They?" was hilarious and can only be completely appreciated by a fellow hunter and fisherman who have been thru a few "events" of their own.

Craig,

Bees, huh? That's bad. I would never laugh at the unfortnate experience of a fellow hunter. I can see it now --first a very non-rythmic dance on the stand platform, complete with flailing of the arms and a few choice words, followed by a very quick exit down the ladder. Terrible. (Snicker - snicker.)

Luckily I never had the bee run-in (while hunting -- often when not hunting) but I very nearly became physically involved with a poisonous snake or two. But I'm sure I remained completely composed the entire time. :rolleyes:

Kinda reminds me -- did you ever read the outdoor humor writer Patrick F. McManus? Some of his earlier work, like "They Shoot Canoes, Don't They?" was hilarious and can only be completely appreciated by a fellow hunter and fisherman who have been thru a few "events" of their own.



Mike:

McManus? A Fine and Pleasant Misery, I believe, was another. Have you ever read his story about the guy the kid knew who found the wildcat beside the road, dead (or so he thought).

That one almost got me kicked off of an airplane, I was laughing so hard.

I haven't read any of his books lately, but they are hilarious.

I can honestly say that nothing has ever happened to me that is remotely like anything in one of his books.

;)


Craig

Mike:

McManus? A Fine and Pleasant Misery, I believe, was another. Have you ever read his story about the guy the kid knew who found the wildcat beside the road, dead (or so he thought).

That one almost got me kicked off of an airplane, I was laughing so hard.

I haven't read any of his books lately, but they are hilarious.

I can honestly say that nothing has ever happened to me that is remotely like anything in one of his books.

;)


Craig
Exactly! A Fine and Pleasant Misery was my favorite. Every kid should have a Rancid Crabtree around to visit with now and then! :vfunny:

And I dunno, I'll bet your bee story would be a good seed for another McManus story...

Exactly! A Fine and Pleasant Misery was my favorite. Every kid should have a Rancid Crabtree around to visit with now and then! :vfunny:

And I dunno, I'll bet your bee story would be a good seed for another McManus story...


Mike:

Oh, yeah, Rancid Crabtree. I was trying to remember his name.

We have a guy who hangs around our camp that kinda reminds me of him. He's a local guy who calls himself a painter but does not work that often. Actually, I think that anyone who has hung around outdoors people can kinda relate to the characters in McManus' books, but I know some people that don't hunt and fish that enjoy them as well.

As far as being "written up", oh, well, I can think of worse things to happen. Is McManus still alive? If so, does he still write? I sure havn't seen anything from him lately. He used to do the last page for Sports Afield, didn't he? Or was it Field and Stream?

He didn't do much about hunting or fishing, but you might like Louis Grizzard's work. Sometimes serious, sometime side-splittingly hilarious. :topic:

Hunting camp in 1 1/2 hours. They just called me on the cell phone, and it's roasted chicked and steamed oysters tonight. They have already started the grill.


:p

Life is good.

Craig

Boat's away until Spring. Now, it's "C'mon Ice". No need to pack a cooler. Games of "Sounder". Anybody ever play that between flags? :ko:

Boat's away until Spring. Now, it's "C'mon Ice". No need to pack a cooler. Games of "Sounder". Anybody ever play that between flags? :ko:


Energy:

Glad to see you are back! You are just in time for the big server change.
Cross your fingers!

Ok, I am almost afraid to ask, but what the heck is "Sounder", and which flags are you talking about?

If its ice you want, you should have been here this morning. 28 degrees, can you believe it?

Craig

Energy:

Glad to see you are back! You are just in time for the big server change.
Cross your fingers!

Ok, I am almost afraid to ask, but what the heck is "Sounder", and which flags are you talking about?

If its ice you want, you should have been here this morning. 28 degrees, can you believe it?

Craig
Let's do sounder in the real time chat room. Try it out. Here's a pic of a new fish introduced into a Maryland pond/lake. It had the authoritities upset about expanding up the east coast. I guess it eats anything. Where's my glove and knife? :vfunny:

I fought this one for about an hour. Had a Lamprey stuck to it that was about 16 inches long. The fish was 42 inches.

I see a lot of lamprey wounds and lampreys on lake trout in Lake Eire, New York side. They never make it back to the water in one piece. :vfunny:

I see a lot of lamprey wounds and lampreys on lake trout in Lake Eire, New York side. They never make it back to the water in one piece. :vfunny:

Once we got this one off - it tried to latch on to the captins wrist. Needless to say it was sent to the otherside quickly. nasty little things. The fish look really old - its face was all beat up - like a crafty old son of a you know what. To old and to big to eat. Got the photos and then put it out of its misery.

Let's do sounder in the real time chat room. Try it out. Here's a pic of a new fish introduced into a Maryland pond/lake. It had the authoritities upset about expanding up the east coast. I guess it eats anything. Where's my glove and knife? :vfunny:
Hey Energy, they called them **** things snakeheads. Apparently some fish store guy dumped a few into a pond and they started eating everything. It was said that they are amphibious too, that's why the concern. The DNR called in some help to exterminate. They even drained the pond and put chemicals out to kill them off. What a situation. Haven't heard of them since, but I won't go anywhere near that pond!

It was said that they are amphibious too, that's why the concern. The DNR called in some help to exterminate. They even drained the pond and put chemicals out to kill them off. What a situation. Haven't heard of them since, but I won't go anywhere near that pond!

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2002/071102.html

Couldn't find anything about being amphibious.........A couple of pics make it look like an eel, so maybe it's true. It's not often when authorities tell you how to kill a species. ;) I don't need any lessons!! :vfunny:

Couldn't find anything about being amphibious..
They are like a catfish and can breath air for some time. Don't see any "walking" fins. This species has, though! :vfunny:

I ran across this pic from a business trip in Mexico-Cancun. That small patch of black on my head has long since departed. :vfunny: :ko:

Ingredients:

1 Snakehead fish

2 tbsp. Olive oil

1 tbsp. fresh chopped onion

1 tbsp. Lemon juice

1 tbsp. Pepper Vinegar

1 tsp. Tabasco

1 tsp. Chopped Garlic

jalapeno peppers (to taste)

salt and pepper (to taste)


Recipe:

Lop head off fish. Chop tail off fish. Yank out entrails. Discard. Slice fish down the center. Rinse off blood and marrow. Set aside. Combine other ingredients & fish. Allow to marinate for about 20 minutes. Place on hot grill, skin side down. Cook about seven minutes, or until raw fish look is gone, drop on a pad of butter until melted. Eat, but be careful not to swallow bones. :thanx:

So who's eating venison this year and who's stickin' with more domesticated fare?

So who's eating venison this year and who's stickin' with more domesticated fare?

All the states around this region are experiencing a deer population bursting at the seams. You see them in backyards, crossing roads and just about everywhere there is a small patch of woods. Time to turn the hunters loose and get it back to normal. A drive in the country these days can be hazardous to your health and secondly, your vehicle. :vfunny:

So who's eating venison this year and who's stickin' with more domesticated fare?


So far, missed 1 buck :mad: and shot 1 doe. I have passed up several does that were looking in the woods like something big was going to jump out.

The biggest deer I have seen so far was last Saturday morning, We decided to go shoot doves instead of deer hunt. A big buck, chasing a doe, ran accross the corner of the field. This field also has 2 - 3 deerstands that would have had a shot. All we had was #8 birdshot. ARRGH!!!

Anyhow, its always nice to get out.

Craig

Up here in NW PA, there's been a new antler restriction in effect : legal bucks are 4 points on one side...

Makes it awful hard to pass up a nice 6 point, but overall the past couple of days I had off to start off the season were eventful.

Got a shot at a 10pt early in the morning on Monday, and seen almost nothing but smaller bucks the rest of the day. Hardly any doe around. Got a couple stories from neighbors that night of finding smaller bucks left to rot because of the restrictions, shame to hear about that... :(

Anybody else near the tri-state have any luck baggin' a big one?

Well, I imagine in areas where they require 4 points to the side a very good optical quality scope and maybe binoculars are fast becoming required tools.

A major shame about the smaller bucks being left to rot.

In my state the only restrictions is 1 antler at least 3" long -- a much easier standard to meet. Got a forkhorn 4 late on the first day. Will probably go out some more in a different mgt. zone -- need to spend some more time in the woods.

Some of the local guys who hunt farmland go out for an hour or two and come back with huge 8-pointers, but that is a different game entirely (no pun intended) than hunting on state-owned forest land.

So who's eating venison this year and who's stickin' with more domesticated fare?

Just got a load of venison! Folks bring me what's left over from last year's hunt in their freezer to make room for this year's deer. I turn it into jerky, and they get half of the jerky produced. It is a year old, but it makes decent jerky.

Up here in NW PA, there's been a new antler restriction in effect : legal bucks are 4 points on one side...

Makes it awful hard to pass up a nice 6 point, but overall the past couple of days I had off to start off the season were eventful.

Got a shot at a 10pt early in the morning on Monday, and seen almost nothing but smaller bucks the rest of the day. Hardly any doe around. Got a couple stories from neighbors that night of finding smaller bucks left to rot because of the restrictions, shame to hear about that... :(

Anybody else near the tri-state have any luck baggin' a big one?

Allen, it is a shame that meat is left to spoil like that - unsportsmanlike to the extreme.

As far as the antler restrictions go, from what I have read and heard about PA deer hunting, it is going to be especially tough to make the change. In GA, many clubs have been doing Quality Deer Management (QDM) for several years, and 2 counties now enforce antler restrictions. If you are willing to look, there are resources available to explain how to start QDM. Antler restrictions are but a part of it. One resource is the QDMA, based in GA but with a National staff. Phds in Biology and the like. But, the hard part is getting people to change the way they hunt, and their attitude towards the wild in general.

Sounds like another kind of quality, doesn't it?

Note: BTW, my comment about PA was not meant at all as a putdown - the deer hunting tradition there is as good as you will find anywhere, according to reports from friends who have had the experience.

Craig

I had to visit a customer and take a few digital shots of a completed project. Across the street I noticed these deer in the field. I tell you, they are everywhere. I got as close as I could for fear of spooking them. ;)

Well, Sheriff, your pictures (and everyone elses) just serve to remind me that I'm a second class citizen these days -- all I see every time is a "Scarlet Letter" -- in this case, an "X". But based on your title of "hairy deer" and your smiley, I assume they are goats? The bad thing is, years back I had a friend of a County Sheriff tell me the Sheriff had to cite a city idiot for shooting a goat and taking it to a checking station to check it in -- thinking all along he had a spike buck. :bonk: :(

Sounds like another kind of quality, doesn't it?

Note: BTW, my comment about PA was not meant at all as a putdown - the deer hunting tradition there is as good as you will find anywhere, according to reports from friends who have had the experience.

Craig

You're right Craig, it is a kind of quality control system... :vfunny:

No offense taken regarding PA's way of hunting. Tradition up here is just as good as down in GA or AR. Couple of fellas have been religiously hunting with the same neck of the woods, and know exactly where the deer are, where they're headed, what time of day, and so on... These guys definitely aren't the "weekend warrior" types that throw lead around at the first sign of movement.

Implementing a deer management program was undoubtedly tough for the Game Commissioner last year, I heard he travelled everywhere with a bulletproof vest on after announcing the new restrictions. :eek:

In my opinion, its just fun to chase 'em around, and enjoy what nature provides for us. Crisp, clean air...birds singing in the trees...<insert your tree-hugging phrase in here...>...I couldn't care less whether I got one every year or not, the stories about the "one that got away" are more fun to tell :)

I am happy to announce my luck this year on bagging a 7 point w/ 15" spread in the afternoon on Saturday. :D

Now I get the lucky task of driving/tracking for all my relatives on the farm for the final Saturday... :frust: Well...at least I won't be cold...

Allen:

Congrats on getting a buck!

Your comments about both QDM being a kind of quality control and the difficulty of implementing QDM are right on the mark.

For so long, getting a buck, any buck, and letting the does walk was OK, just as long as the herd was not at the land's carrying capacity. Now, we have problems with habitat, not to mention the CWD disease problem and herd buck/doe imbalance. Factor in the car - deer collisions (glad we don't have any moose) and it becomes obvious that we have to step in where the wolves used to, and manage the herd. The science is compelling.

Although we have a nice camp here in GA (hot and cold running water, satellite TV, electricity, etc.) I have heard about some hunting camps in PA that sound more like a resort. Hot tubs, indeed. Now, that's roughing it!!! Of course, some of those camps have had the same families in them for generations.

Good hunting!

Craig

Up on the farm this year we just rolled out (literally) our new "field stand". It is the shell of an old hay wagon boarded up and attached to a small deck. More or less, we can hook a tractor up to it and cart it around to wherever we need it. Has a nice wood-burning stove, and couple of windows to watch out the back. Nifty piece of recycling for the farm.

Out at the ol' Allen camp, we got the cabin with water/electric, with a small bunkhouse upstairs. No hot tubs, just the "basics" :vfunny: Though I might have to talk to Dad about that one...

I think the biggest hangup with the QDM around this area is the "trust" factor of all the other hunters. We get a lot of folks from the nearby states (OH & NY) that come in once a year to hunt on their friend's places near us. Makes it hard to pass up a buck if you're thinking somebody else is just gonna end up shooting it anyways (case in point, the small ones being left to rot). I agree with the new changes myself, I've seen more actual bucks this year in the past two weeks then I've seen in the past 5 years combined. Makes watching them go by your stand a bit more exciting in my opinion.

Craig, down in GA, what type of QDM were you using? Antler restrictions? Buck size restrictions? I'm kind of curious to see what you folks have come up with down there...

Up on the farm this year we just rolled out (literally) our new "field stand". It is the shell of an old hay wagon boarded up and attached to a small deck. More or less, we can hook a tractor up to it and cart it around to wherever we need it. Has a nice wood-burning stove, and couple of windows to watch out the back. Nifty piece of recycling for the farm.

Out at the ol' Allen camp, we got the cabin with water/electric, with a small bunkhouse upstairs. No hot tubs, just the "basics" :vfunny: Though I might have to talk to Dad about that one...

I think the biggest hangup with the QDM around this area is the "trust" factor of all the other hunters. We get a lot of folks from the nearby states (OH & NY) that come in once a year to hunt on their friend's places near us. Makes it hard to pass up a buck if you're thinking somebody else is just gonna end up shooting it anyways (case in point, the small ones being left to rot). I agree with the new changes myself, I've seen more actual bucks this year in the past two weeks then I've seen in the past 5 years combined. Makes watching them go by your stand a bit more exciting in my opinion.

Craig, down in GA, what type of QDM were you using? Antler restrictions? Buck size restrictions? I'm kind of curious to see what you folks have come up with down there...


Allen:

We actually have what I guess you could call 2 types.

The first has been developing for some time now, and is voulntary (but in some cases with some seriuos arm-twisting). The components of QDM are

-antler restrictions. For our club, and many others, this is 15" inside. It is easier than you think. When you see a buck, imagine it with its ears out flat. That is usually about 15". This requirement alone is NOT QDM

-food plots and controlled burning. Use fertilizer on the plots and try to have something available year-'round. Newly-burned land will sprout tender green stuff. The deer love it, as do many other animals.

-doe harvest. If you want meat, shoot a doe. This is done to try to restore the balance male/female. The resulting balance should result in "big boy" having to go farther to compete for the remaining females, greatly increasing the chance he will be seen. Also, rutting activity will be more concentrated.

This "style" requires about 3000 contiguous acres, but there are many "pockets" of lease and land holders who practice this "full" QDM. One of these groupings has around 10,000 acres and is some of the best hunting land in the county.

The other QDM initiative is in the 2 counties that have antler restrictions, with fines for small bucks. Of course, there are no "shoot does" requirements or provisions for food plots. The other down side to this approach is it is only 2 counties, and the hunting lease prices there are now unreal.

The best way, if it is possible, is to get people to do the 3 things outlined above. Others will have the experience you had this year, and peer pressure will take care of the rest. Like any resource, we need to manage what we have.

Try www.qdma.com

Thanks for asking!

I like the hay wagon idea. I'll keep my eyes open for one that's ripe for conversion. Wonder if I could fit my battery operated TV in there?

As far as "outside" hunters, we have the same issues with some people from Atlanta and Florida. ATM (anything that moves) hunters. I even heard one at a gas station talk about taking a "movement shot". Boy, what a jerk.

Good Hunting

Craig

Up on the farm this year we just rolled out (literally) our new "field stand". It is the shell of an old hay wagon boarded up and attached to a small deck. More or less, we can hook a tractor up to it and cart it around to wherever we need it. Has a nice wood-burning stove, and couple of windows to watch out the back. Nifty piece of recycling for the farm.



Just curious -- do you sleep in this thing or hunt from it?

Just before my Dad quit hunting (he was in his 60's) he and his buds built totally enclosed treestands with a roof & windows, and used Sterno to heat it. I said "that ain't huntin', that's a vacation home". :vfunny: But it was the only way they could take the cold I guess.

Actually, the roll-around resembles more of a type of duck blind then anything. It's not all closed in, there's a few boards removed to watch out the front, and an open doorway. You could "probably" sleep in it...but doubt it with the draft...

Was nice to have this year. The first few days, the wind chill dropped us around the 0 deg mark. :eek: Was nice to not worry about frostbite this time around.

Incidently, the field we put the thing on (which I might add is usually the area we tend to see the most deer) never saw half the amount of bucks on it as the treestand I was in on the other side of the farm (couple of wood planks nailed to a tree) :vfunny: Unfortunately, I had to endure the cold from the fields with no stove, no walls to block the wind, etc...but then again, I got my buck :)

I have to admit that is the first time I heard of a deer stand/blind having a wood-burning stove! Unless you want to count the people I have heard of who shoot their deer from their house. One such fellow is only interested in meat, which is fine, but the other bragged about the great rack on his buck. Sorry, but even if a state-record 14-point stood in my backyard, the only shooting I would do is with my camera. I could take no pride in that deer from a trophy standpoint, while I could from a spike I worked hard to get. JMO.

Hi, everyone!

How about a fishing and hunting update? I really have not had much luck of late, and this is the last weekend of the season. My Dad is joining me on Saturday afternoon. He'll use my rifle, and I'll use the binocs. Wish us luck!

If he does pull the trigger, he's going to be in for a surprise. That 7mm STW packs a wallop.

Craig

Hi, everyone!

How about a fishing and hunting update?
Craig

I have a good friend who was visiting family over Christmas. His nieces left for home, got about 20 miles away and hit a deer. His brother was on his way home and hit a deer. The nieces borrowed another car and the following day hit their second deer (in Ann Arbor city limits). Three deer in two days, without firing a shot!

I have a good friend who was visiting family over Christmas. His nieces left for home, got about 20 miles away and hit a deer. His brother was on his way home and hit a deer. The nieces borrowed another car and the following day hit their second deer (in Ann Arbor city limits). Three deer in two days, without firing a shot!


Geez, and I thought hunting with a rifle was expensive. Hopefully, no one was hurt?

Here in GA we can't use rifles in city limits, but every year it seems like there are several NICE bucks taken with bows in the metro Atlanta area.

Here, where it is more rural, a few years ago we had a deer come up to the shopping center, trigger the automatic doors at the grocery store, and walk right in. He went straight for the produce. Must have thought he had died and gone to heaven.

Fortunately, they got him out without him, or any humans, being hurt.

My point is that in and around urban areas there is less or no hunting pressure, and the main predator is the four wheel variety. There are also these yummy gardens. Deer find this out, and take advantage.

FWIW, after I hit a deer a few years ago, I was talking to my insurance guy, and I said that I didn't have time to stop, or even avoid, the deer because of an oncoming driver's brights being on. The agent stopped me and said something to the effect that you should not try to swerve to avoid the deer - that's the way people get hurt or killed, and they would rather pay for sheet metal than for sheet metal and hospitalization. Makes sense.

Stay safe.

Craig

There are also these yummy gardens. Deer find this out, and take advantage.
Craig

Several years ago a friend of my father's, lived a couple of miles down the road from my dad's place and was at the time 84 years old and 85% blind. He called one day and asked dad to bring whoever he wanted to and come down and pick as much head lettuce as we wanted. According to him the heads were getting so large they were starting to explode/burst.

Well dad, I and my younger brother went there and as we were heading out into the garden I noticed quite a few small split-hoofed tracks. Come find out that the local deer were gathering in his garden and taking big bites out of his heads of lettuce (making them look to him as if they had burst). :biglaugh:

The old gentleman passed away a few years ago, but we still find ourselves talking about his "exploding" heads of lettuce. :vfunny:

Hi, everyone!

He'll use my rifle, and I'll use the binocs. Wish us luck!

If he does pull the trigger, he's going to be in for a surprise. That 7mm STW packs a wallop.

Craig

Craig,

Is he not going to shoot the gun some before hunting with it? :confused:

Craig,

Is he not going to shoot the gun some before hunting with it? :confused:


Mike:

Unfortunately, no. We have several people at the club this weekend, and our shooting session yesterday was rained out. The members don't want the commotion Sat afternoon before we all go out to hunt, especially since it will be the last hunt of the season for some. I sure wish we had a public range here.

Not the best situation, but the stand we are hunting will not have a long shot and has a rest. I shot a few times last weekend and the scope is still dead on.


Craig

Hi, all.

It has been since January since anything was posted here, so I thought I would "bump" this thread and see if there is any interest.

The hunting trip with Dad was wonderful, and we didn't see a thing. Nothing except the beautiful outdoors and a great sunset.

Fishing has been slow so far, but still its nice to get out when I can.

Anyone have any outdoor news?

Craig

No news from here. Unfortunately I haven't been out hunting since deer season (got a 4-point), unless you want to count a sniper-attack I made on a groundhog that tried to expand his territory from the local farmer's field to my yard. The little devil eluded me for a few days until he finally showed his hide for the last time. It has been too rainy to fish on my favorite river -- high water and too muddy. But the time will come...

I haven't even bought my fishing license yet. But hopefully, this summer will be a less stressful than last, and I will have time to actually wet a line. I think I used my new flyrod once last year. Perhaps I can double it this year.

I haven't even bought my fishing license yet. But hopefully, this summer will be a less stressful than last, and I will have time to actually wet a line. I think I used my new flyrod once last year. Perhaps I can double it this year.


Better yet, get a fish to double it over for you!!!

Craig

Better yet, get a fish to double it over for you!!!

Craig

:agree:

I've picked up a new secret bass weapon, based on watching actual bass performance over the years. Not sure I can land a 30 lb small mouth, but I'll try! :eek:

I just just returned from a long weekend of fishing (Thur.-Sun.) here in the PA Hills. The weather was good, the beer cold, the card playing fun and the trout fishing great. It was the kind of vacation that refreshes the soul.
This was my second long weekend fishing this year. Both times the fishing has been good. No big fish were caught but there has been a lot of fish caught in a short time. I was scouting out a good place to take my 8 year old son and stop at this one place for 15 min. and caught 3 legal trout.
Hope this continues for my June trip as well.


Mooser

GONE FISHIN' !!! :bigwave:

mooser:

I have been to PA hill country, years ago, but unfortunately did not hunt or fish.

Spectacular beauty.

I didn't realize there were trout. What kind?

Craig

Craig,

I fish for Brook, Rainbow, Brown Trout & Palomino(hybrid), but in the lakes there is Lake trout & Steelheads. There are many places you can fish for the native brook trout which, I think, there is no fish more beautiful. The brown are well established in some places like the Alleghany River. One of the best fish I caught was a well colored brown trout with red flesh. I release a lot of fish but we keep some for our "Fin & Hoove"(fish & steak) supper. :drunk: I love the fishing opportunities here.

Mooser

Got my fishing gear out this weekend. All that is left is to reload one spool, and get my license. Will be going up to Fletcher's Pond for an extra long Memorial Day (taking Friday and Tuesday). The secret weapon is ready, and I'll be eating bass all weekend (or perhaps crow if the secret weapon fails) :agree1:

Got my fishing gear out this weekend. All that is left is to reload one spool, and get my license. Will be going up to Fletcher's Pond for an extra long Memorial Day (taking Friday and Tuesday). The secret weapon is ready, and I'll be eating bass all weekend (or perhaps crow if the secret weapon fails) :agree1:


Uh, db... Is that secret weapon red, with a string coming out one end?

Old joke-

A local guy, bubba, was known to go out to the pond each morning, and by lunch he would always be back in town with a cooler full of fish. The Game Warden heard about him, and asked bubba if he could go along and fish with him. The morning arrived, and the Game Warden had all of his fishing gear with him. He noticed, as they were loading up the boat, that bubba was taking only one tackle box, and no fishing pole. The Game Warden didn't say anything about it, and they pushed off. Once they got into the middle of the lake, bubba opened up his tackle box and pulled out a stick of dynamite, lit it, and threw it into the water. BOOM!!!, the dynamite exploded, and lots of stunned fish rose to the surface. The Game Warden was beside himself, finally gathering himself enough to exclaim "you can't do that"!! Bubba calmly removed another stick of dynamite from his box and lit it. Handing it to the Game Warden, bubba asks:


You gonna talk or you gonna fish?

Uh, db... Is that secret weapon red, with a string coming out one end?


I can neither confirm, nor deny that assertion. And of course, If I did tell you, you know what would have to happen. :mg:


You gonna talk or you gonna fish?


Now that sounds like a good question. :agree1:

I haven't gone fishing since Walled Lake was frozen. It's about time though, this new job has kept me busy ( a good thing) but my son is coming in this weekend and we'll be golfing and fishing!:agree1:

I haven't gone fishing since Walled Lake was frozen. It's about time though, this new job has kept me busy ( a good thing) but my son is coming in this weekend and we'll be golfing and fishing!:agree1:
Hey Stew,

Had any time to exercise that hand-cannon lately? I see there are several new loads out for it -- but I doubt any of them are cheap. Not that most people could shoot it too much I imagine...

Mike,

I actually chopped down a 4 1/2" tree with 2 shots earlier this month. Kinda scared me, and you should have seen the look on my buddies face! I've been taking it out to the Detroit Gun Club and I'm getting pretty good with it. You're right, it isn't cheep, but it sure turns heads.
Once I can control it as well as my Glock or the .22 scope (X-100), I'll be real happy.:agree1:
I haven't tried the other loads, I've been spending my money on Golf and Paint Ball.:lol:

Stew,

You must one of those rare birds who can shoot a heavy-recoiling handgun well. Sure, much of it is practice, but like a great hitter in baseball, some of it is God given. I struggle getting 6" groups out of my .44 Mag in hunting-type positions at 25-50 yards. Part of it is not enough practice, which I need to overcome before I take it hunting. Time and money...

Do you plan to ever hunt with it, or just shoot recreationally?Any other Covers do any handgun hunting?

Any other Covers do any handgun hunting?


Mike, I do occasionally, with my .44 in very close situations. No luck with it though.

Craig

I can neither confirm, nor deny that assertion. And of course, If I did tell you, you know what would have to happen. :mg:



Now that sounds like a good question. :agree1:



OK, db, time to come clean.

How did the big trip go? Is the secret weapon still secret, and really a weapon?

The biggest fish I have caught in the last week or so actually got mugged by the cricket I was using as bait. Still fun, though.

Craig

Mike, I do occasionally, with my .44 in very close situations. No luck with it though.

Craig
What loads do you use? So far I've only shot Federal American Eagle 240 gr. JHP's (at paper) because I used to be able to get them for $17.99 a box (50) at Dicks. But I have not seen them on sale for many months. I don't think I need a premium bullet for deer in the 120 pound range, but I would bow to experience.

OK, db, time to come clean.

How did the big trip go? Is the secret weapon still secret, and really a weapon?

The biggest fish I have caught in the last week or so actually got mugged by the cricket I was using as bait. Still fun, though.

Craig

Well, I could come up with all kinds of excuses, but....

Out of the 5 day weekend (took Fri and Tues off too), I spent a whopping 2 hours fishing! The balance of the time was used in buying a house, for when I retire at year's end. We found a 1 Bedroom on 5 acres for 30K.

As far as the secret weapon....I caught one 12" largemouth twice in about three minutes! I caught him (her?) tossed him back, and caught him again two casts later. The weapon did not function, as I thought it would. I had hoped it would stay on top of the water longer. I have some fly spray I will use to see if that will help.

If that wasn't bad enough, I was washing out my jerky trays, and got the water too hot, and melted five. :oops: Ticked me right off! Now, I'll have to go out and buy the super dehydrater from Cabelas at $400. Darn! :thedeal:

Mike:

I use pretty much whatever the sporting goods store has in a large bullet size - I'll have to look at home to see what that is right now. I won't take a shot farther than around 30 yards, so IMO the "premium" bullet would not make as much difference as the shooter.

db:

Retiring, huh? My Dad just retired a year or so ago. Memorial Day weekend we were talking, and I said something like "the only thing better than a three day weekend is a four day weekend." He started laughing and said he had both of those beat (being retired and all). Y'all make me sick :p

Anyhow, sorry about the secret weapon, but maybe the fly dressing will help. You will soon have plenty of time to work on it. Is your new house in the mountains? Man, those PA hills are pretty.

BTW, the Cabelas dehydrator works pretty well.

Craig

Hi, folks. Thought I would give this thread a bump to see if anyone is interested.

Deer season (archery, anyway) has been open here for a few weeks now. I have seen 2 so far, and took a shot at one with my new crossbow. She jumped the string, and I bagged a nice 2 pointer. The middle of 2 ends (points) of a small log, anyway.

Not believing me when I told them it was a clean miss, my hunting "buddies" went to look where I had shot. They are such thoughtful blokes.

The log, complete with my crossbow bolt and broadhead embedded in it, is now on the wall in a place of honor in our camp. Hilarious.

Anyone else have any stories?

I have been concentrating on duck hunting in recent years.

2 of my buddies and myself load up kayaks, yes, KAYAKS, paddle over a mile of open water and a few more miles through channels to the salt marsh where we have GPS coordinates to the salt pond of our choice. We use prior experience and sometimes Terraserver to choose our spot, set up our decoys, pull the boats into the reeds and cover up with burlap camo. No dogs, we fetch 'em.

In over 25 years of hunting, Deer, Bear, Small Game etc. this has to be some of the best times I have ever had.

Paddling out in the ink black night and back when the sun is below the horizon and the kayaks are riding WAY low because of the days catch and wet gear with icy whitecaps washing over the deck is definitely not for the faint of heart though!

Carl-

Carl:

Sounds fun. What type of ducks do you usually see?

Mallards, Teal, Brant by the THOUSANDS (but who wants them?) Hooded Merganser now and then. Sometimes we will see Blacks.

It is hard work, but FUN.

Carl-

I have heard that, through efforts of groups such as DU, the Mississippi flyway is HUGE now. Do you think our old (Atlantic?) flyway has a chance of making such a rebound?

Not sure, but there are plenty where I hunt.

I think the Atlantic flyway is much more sensitive to environmental and pollution issues.

The downfall has never been over hunting. There are less and less people hunting every year and they are not teaching their children to handle guns, respect the environment and responsibly enjoy the outdoors. It has become sanitized and "virtual". They would rather sit on the couch and watch the Discovery channel than actually get out there. Nothing wrong with the Discovery channel, but there is a lot that can be experienced first hand.

I went camping last week with my 8 year old daughter and had GPS coordinates to a Bear cave. We hiked out and the last mile or so was through the brush. When I showed the pictures to the people at work, they were appalled that I would take her on such a trek, but it is something she will remember for a long, long time. There have probably only been 3 or 4 people at that spot in the last 10 years, and I seriously doubt any of them were 8 year old girls.

I am not suggesting we take our children to swim with sharks and handle rattlesnakes, but responsibly enjoying nature first hand via hunting, fishing and hiking off the beaten path is quickly vanishing.

I had 2 guns hanging on my wall when I was 12 years old. One was a 12 gauge shotgun. I got in fights at school, had arguments with siblings, went through breakups with girlfreinds and had teachers I could not stand. Using one of those guns in any of those circumstances never crossed my mind.

Things are different now. Society is seriously whacked. Now we have Columbine and Gangsta's on MTV that shoot 9mm glocks while holding them sideways. Any gun as seen as "bad".



Carl-

Carl:

There are so many things in your last statement that I would like to comment on, but as I am on my coffee break, I will limit myself. There will be those who think I am nuts...

I have a theory, or maybe it is just a way of looking at things. Man has been trying for years to control the environment. In some ways we have. In the process, we have developed this environment in such a way that we are bombarded by influences to the extent that we have to block out a lot just to function. In a way the boob tube helps us do that - we sit and concentrate on that inanimate object to the exception of almost everything else. Our surroundings create a kind of rhythm, for lack of a better word.

In the outdoors, away from "civilization" the rhythm is different. When I go deer hunting, it takes me a good half hour - 45 minutes to "slow down". This is a fascinating world we live in, if we just take the time to sit and let the rhythm come to us. All of our man-made "noise" tends to hide that fact.

Taking your 8 year old daughter camping, on a "bear hunt" (remember that old kid's song)? Sounds to me like your priorities are aligned correctly. It must be very, very rewarding.

What's my point? Well, I think that our urbanization has a lot to do with the negative things you mentioned. The fact that we are living closer together than we were a century or so ago has actually driven us apart. We tend to value others less. Its sad.

Of course, that's just my opinion.

Craig,

I agree 100%

She watches some TV, but I also tell her to turn it off and read a book sometimes.

She looks pretty happy to me.

Straight A's, respectful and 5 hours of dance class each week.

Carl-

Carl:

Wow, what a cute smile, and she looks right at home in the woods!

Is this New Jersey? I had no idea that there were rocks and trees like that there. Is it in the mountains? Sure looks like a pretty forest, wherever it is.

I am not suggesting we take our children to swim with sharks and handle rattlesnakes, but responsibly enjoying nature first hand via hunting, fishing and hiking off the beaten path is quickly vanishing.

I tend to disagree. What is vanishing is parents who have time or want to take a kid fishing, hunting and hiking.

My two grandkids, ages 6 and 4 spend more time in my boat fishing than their father does. They were in the turkey blind with me this spring, on a couple of squirrel hunts and quite a few walks in the woods with grandma.

Introduce a kid to nature and they'll be hooked for life. :agree1:

Introduce a kid to nature and they'll be hooked for life. :agree1:

Yeah, this is one big kid lucky enough to have a Dad who took the time. Hooked? Hook, line and sinker, and glad of it.


:agree1:

Craig,

Pennsylvania.

Ken,

It is great that your grandkids are enjoying it. They are lucky to have you. Unfortunately, the percentage of people that hunt and fish is definitely declining. I remember in high school that almost half of the guys in class took off the whole first week of December for Buck season. It was considered a legitimate reason for absenteeism back then. There will always be a segment of the population that enjoys it, but it will be smaller.

Carl-

Duck season starts this Saturday in my area.

Kayak's are ready

3 dozen decoys should do.

4 boxes of steel shot (3" of course)

I even made a ghillie suit to hide in.

Both of my buddies bought brand new Baretta Xtreme autos with crossover camo pattern because their Mossberg pumps failed last year (one firing pin jam, the other had chronic shell jam and a broken receiver bolt) Duck hunting is brutal on gear, especially anything that can rust. I am sticking with my Remington 870 Express. Never failed me. Fits like a glove.

I can't wait to get up at 4:00 am Saturday and hit the water.

I told my wife, "women want me, ducks fear me"

Her reply was, "well, did see a couple of ducks in the freezer last year"

Ahhhh... I love this time of year.

Already spent last Saturday doing the same.

Three of us along with my new pup sat on Highfalls Flowage on a bright, sunny and windy day watching the world go by. Except for the two geese that came swimming by, there were no ducks to be seen.

So, after about 6hrs we went to plan B. Ended up with a bunch of crappie and bluegills which made a great meal when the day was done.

My preference is Ithica's Model 51. I currently own three of them and use them for almost everything. Great trap gun, turkey, pheasant, duck, goose and one of the most accurate slug barrels I have ever shot. Also the lightest shotgun I have ever carried which one can appreciate at the end of the day.

Hope you have a good a day as we did. At least the conversation was non stop.

Might wanna take some aspirin and ice along. For your shoulder if you might be shooting 4 boxes of 3" mag 12 guage! :eek:

I doubt I will shoot all 4 boxes, but it is not uncommon to shoot 30- 40 rounds or so.

The action is FAST and a kill rate of 50% would be lot.

Recoil never really bothered me, but I will be wearing some padding in the form of a coat etc.

Ithaca makes a nice gun, no doubt. I used to shoot a Ruger Red Label and loved it, but I just could not bear using it for hunting. The wood and finish were too nice to take into the field.


Carl

Hi, sports folks.

I waited until now to talk about our opening day of the firearms season for deer (Oct. 16) in the hopes that I would have something to report. So far, other than the missed crossbow shot discussed here, I have seen some birds, several squirrels, 1 armadillo, a bobcat, and no deer.

The bobcat was, however, at about 25 yards on a dirt road. Both of us were on the ground, and it was almost dark. It turned and jumped into the woods, right next to where I was about to walk. Although we are not supposed to have loaded firearms on the roads, I quickly made an exception. Fortunately, the bobcat must have kept running, and I returned to my truck without a scratch.

Fishing has been even less eventful.

Anyhow, how's the hunting/fishing where you are?

It is raining ducks in South Jersey.

I had an excellent opening day and my buddies limited out (6 each) by 10:00 am last Saturday (I was in Chicago on business. BUMMER!)

Plenty of Teal and Mallards.

Crossbow huh? Cool, unfortunately Illegal in NJ.

I am considering buying a Longbow to use for next Fall bow season (I will need practice time). I have been using a compound almost 20 years now, it would be nice to get back to basics.

Carl-

It's been a long time since I had ANY bow in my hands. I do remember that a compound bow had a lot more stopping power for "pull strength" (draw weight) than a comparable long bow. I still have my long bow (single piece of wood, no laminates) stashed somewhere, but long ago gave away the compound bow to a relative. I once had a crossbow, but never found myself willing to hunt with it.

The long bow is certainly a lot easier to carry and maintain than a compound bow. I did like the recurved bows, but I broke two in two years (at the string nocks.)

I did a quick lookup of current prices. WOW!

Yeah,

Longbows cost WAY more than my first compound bow, and more than many current models.

Must be a supply/demand thing.

I am thinking of making my own over the summer.

Carl-

I have seen some of the laminated long bows, and know a few who shoot them. They are a challenge, and I would consider any game taken with one to be a trophy. Some of those bows are beautiful, but they can cost more than a new compound bow.

I am glad to hear about the duck hunt. Do you have any pictures you would be willing to share?

Fortunately crossbows became legal for general use in GA a few years ago. I said I would never consider one, but my shoulder does not allow me to use a regular bow anymore. I was more confident with my compound bow than I am/was with a rifle, too. Oh, well.

I am sure Wes is right about a longbow being easier to handle in the woods. I think my crossbow has been designed for range use ONLY, compared even to a compound bow. It catches on every branch, briar, and twig it comes within a few yards of. It is fast, but loud, as well. Better than a slingshot, I guess, but that deer I missed almost certainly moved at the sound of the shot - the bolt went where it was pointed, but when it got there, no deer.

I am going to try again Wednesday night, but with the rifle.

Yeah,

Longbows cost WAY more than my first compound bow, and more than many current models.

Must be a supply/demand thing.

I am thinking of making my own over the summer.

Carl-What wood will you use? Yew? Lemonwood? other?
Where will you get it? One piece or laminate?

I did take some pictures, but I am having problems downloading. I'll forward as soon as I correct the problem.

I am thinking a one piece/stick. There are several sources for Yew staves and instructionals on the web, but some of them are very involved. I find it hard to beleive that native americans and thousands of Saxons cured staves for bows for three or four years before turning them into bows. There are a few "affordable" (under $300) longbows on the market, but it would definitely be an accomplishment to make your own capable of taking large game such as a deer.

Many of the longbows on the market actually have an arrow shelf built into the riser, but if I build my own I am definitely going "purist". No shelf, no recurve, Leather handle and wood arrows with feather fletching (another challenge to make!)

I think the crossbow deal is way cool. I used to have an Astro-Daco Hornet. 150 lb recurve limb crossbow. I certainly would not have wanted to get hit with a bolt coming out of it!

Carl-

Wes, if you're interested in reading about (or making) a self-bow a good resource is Bois d'Arc Press, PO Box 87 Goldwaite, TX 76844 website www.boisdarcpress.com, telephone 325-938-5316. They have a 3 volume set called "Traditional Bowyer's Bible" Volumes 1 through 3 all about design and making self bows.

Other North American woods being used for bows include ash, hickory, and osage orange. I've got a friend making them out of ash, and just getting into trying osage orange.

There are also a couple of interesting magazines - if memory serves one is Tradional Bowhunter Magazine and the other is Primitive Archer.

I did take some pictures, but I am having problems downloading. I'll forward as soon as I correct the problem.

I am thinking a one piece/stick. There are several sources for Yew staves and instructionals on the web, but some of them are very involved. I find it hard to beleive that native americans and thousands of Saxons cured staves for bows for three or four years before turning them into bows. There are a few "affordable" (under $300) longbows on the market, but it would definitely be an accomplishment to make your own capable of taking large game such as a deer.

Many of the longbows on the market actually have an arrow shelf built into the riser, but if I build my own I am definitely going "purist". No shelf, no recurve, Leather handle and wood arrows with feather fletching (another challenge to make!)

I think the crossbow deal is way cool. I used to have an Astro-Daco Hornet. 150 lb recurve limb crossbow. I certainly would not have wanted to get hit with a bolt coming out of it!

Carl-


Carl:

I'd love to see the pictures. Please do keep us up on how you go about building your bow.

The problem I have with compound bows (shoulder) may not be so bad with a longbow, although every time that I have seen one shot the archer pulled back and released in one motion. This might just be worth a try...

It would be interesting making the arrows as well, but you might consider "cheating" a little and making a couple with plastic fletching. Feathers don't do so well when it's wet. Then again, that would be a valid excuse to get out of the rain and sit by the fire.

My crossbow (Revolution) is fun to shoot, and the expandable broadheads on it would make a nasty wound, indeed. Now, if I could just hit something with the confounded thing!

:mad:

As indicated above by Kevin, Osage Orange is an excellent wood also.

I am going to stick with the feathers, but will definitely be using modern expanding broadheads (vs.the old Bear or Browning sharpen yourself affairs) as I feel they are the most humane.

How hard can it be? A stick with a string on it, right? Hahahaha!

I have been bowhunting a long time and definitely feel I am ready for the challenge.

Anybody know what the heck "tillering" is? (just kidding)

Carl-

CNN has a story today about 5 hunters that were killed in Wisconson over a treestand dispute.

Geez! Camden was just named the most dangerous city in the U.S. today, who would have thought that some whacko in the woods would take out 5 guys over nothing?

NJ Deer season starts on December 6, do I need to carry my .45 as a backup?

Carl-

CNN has a story today about 5 hunters that were killed in Wisconson over a treestand dispute.

Geez! Camden was just named the most dangerous city in the U.S. today, who would have thought that some whacko in the woods would take out 5 guys over nothing?

NJ Deer season starts on December 6, do I need to carry my .45 as a backup?

Carl-

Well, that is a sad situation. Hopefully this shooter will never again taste freedom.

I doubt if it is legal in NJ to carry your .45 while hunting.

I have heard of "ownership" disputes between 2 hunters over a dead deer, but nothing like this craziness. :bonk: But I have seen the occasional suspicious idiot while in the woods just often enough that if I'm scouting I still try to have an excuse to have a gun on me -- like I'm squirrel hunting or something, and after I kill a deer I still keep my rifle nearby. It's probably overcaution on my part as I've never felt truly threatened, but I've heard just enough stories...

The bizaar part of this story in my opinion is that the tree stand belonged to the people who were shot by the guy in the stand. Also, my boss says that the property belonged to those who were shot. Who would think :confused:

Mark

Mike,

It isn't legal to carry a .45 in NJ while hunting, but I decided a long time ago that while I try to be as law abiding as possible, it would be foolish on my part to expect the state to protect me and my family.

On a recent hiking trip, a freind asked me if a carried because I was concerned about the Bears. I told him I have been hunting and fishing for over 30 years and have never been in a situation where I felt threatened by an animal, but I have been in several situations in and out of the woods that I was seriously concerned about people.

Nuff said.

I really don't think this was a typical "dispute" that escalated. This guy was not stable.


Carl-

[QUOTE=Carl Keller

I really don't think this was a typical "dispute" that escalated. This guy was not stable.


Carl-[/QUOTE]


The word "wacko" fits here. It is unfortunate that there are (very few) "hunters" who manage to give all of us a bad name. I suspect this guy would have found a way to do something stupid anywhere.

I sure hope the judge who hears this case is a hunter.

It is surprising that the anti-gun types have not picked up on the fact that some news outlets (Fox, for one) are reporting that a SKS was used. In my opinion the 7.62 x 39 round is a little anemic for deer, but there some people who would have a hard time paying for a sporting rifle, so for them its a good option, I guess.

In this case, it might be fortunate that a .30-'06 was not available to him.

Mike,

It isn't legal to carry a .45 in NJ while hunting, but I decided a long time ago that while I try to be as law abiding as possible, it would be foolish on my part to expect the state to protect me and my family.

On a recent hiking trip, a freind asked me if a carried because I was concerned about the Bears. I told him I have been hunting and fishing for over 30 years and have never been in a situation where I felt threatened by an animal, but I have been in several situations in and out of the woods that I was seriously concerned about people.

Carl-
I understand, really. :bigwave: But maybe on some occasions you can try to pack something that could be considered a legal hunting gun for the date -- even when hiking maybe groundhogs or crows are in season and if you carry a hunting-legal handgun even in the unlikely event you are stopped you are technically legal. I was once coming out of the woods from scouting a day before deer season and a DNR guy came by, struck-up a conversation,and then asked if I'd open my pack -- he was afraid maybe I was early-hunting and maybe had a handgun in there. I actually had thought of carrying my .22 in my pack that day, but didn't. That probably wouldn't have went over too well, but had I been wearing it on my hip with my license in possession I could say I was squirrel hunting.

Craig,

Not sure about the power of the 7.62 x 39, but it is obviously adequate for people.

I have a freind that owns two SKS's among many other weapons. He swears by them. More accurate than many of his other rifles, 10 round magazine, has yet to jam and you can buy them for 200 bucks.

I remember when he got the first one, it was wrapped in brown kraft paper and dripping with cosmoline. We scoped it and took it to the range and were very surprised with the quality and value.

Heck, I may buy one myself.

Carl-

Mike,

I hear ya! You are definitely speaking the voice of reason. I guess it is a case of "risk management".

You can't carry a handgun in NJ for any reason. There is no handgun season here either.

Clean record, my brother is an attorney, no crime involved(not poaching etc.) I am sure the Judge would take it easy on me. I would probably get out in 6 years or so on good behavior!

Carl-

Craig,

Not sure about the power of the 7.62 x 39, but it is obviously adequate for people.

I have a freind that owns two SKS's among many other weapons. He swears by them. More accurate than many of his other rifles, 10 round magazine, has yet to jam and you can buy them for 200 bucks.

I remember when he got the first one, it was wrapped in brown kraft paper and dripping with cosmoline. We scoped it and took it to the range and were very surprised with the quality and value.

Heck, I may buy one myself.

Carl-


Carl:

I have owned one SKS - a Norinco (Chinese-made) that I bought new, degreased, and took straight to the range. After failing to hit the target at 50 yards, I took a paper plate and set it up 25 yards out. After reloading (and unloading) the magazine twice, it was obvious that the rifle was incapable of anything like even a lousy group. Sold it.

Then, a guy at our hunting camp brought his Russian-made SKS and let me fire it. I was taking the bottom out of small styrafoam cups at 25 yards with the iron sights. That rifle was excellent, but, unfortunately, not for sale.

My experience with both the Chinese (lousy) and Russian (very, very good) rifles has been confirmed by others, as well. So, by all means look at the SKS. The Russian option would be cheap and fun to shoot. One thing about the SKS (and its cousin, the AK-47) is that they were (are) made in lots of different places, so the quality of build and material will surely vary.

As far as the 7.62 x 39 mm round, it can do some damage (much to my chagrin in the WI case). To me, though, the most humane way to hunt is with a quick kill. So, I like the bigger, heavier, rounds. To each his (or her) own, though.


Good shooting.

Craig,

I am seeing a lot of yugoslavian SK's for sale. $150 - $200 new.

Not sure how much I would fire one though. My schedule is so busy, I do not get to the range as often as I would like.

I agree with you about "going bigger" when hunting. My favorite PA brush gun is a Marlin lever action chambered in 35 Remington. In NJ I use an 870 Express with a Hastings slug barrel and a 4 power scope shooting sabot's. I will likely buy a new bolt within the next year, either 7mm-08 or 30-06.

To tell you the truth, airgunning is a guilty pleasure of mine. I have a 747 match pistol that I upgraded to 777 status by buying the Walnut target grips (the 777 was no longer available) and I am in the market for a high velocity(over 850 fps) PCP in .22. Maybe Santa will buy me one? I can shoot those anytime in my basement range.

Carl-

Carl:

I admit to wanting a nice, fast, air gun, too. Shooting for me is like golf for some people. It is a relaxing way to spend a few minutes (or hours if I am lucky) and unwind. Air guns allow this, with a minimum of noise and expense.

Plus, they are just so much fun!

Craig,

Did you know that as pellets approach the speed of sound (1,100 fps) they become very unstable? Current (skirted) pellet designs do not alow for mach speed. Don't waste your money on anything too hot.

About 900 -950 fps is where you want to be for a hunting airgun.

By comparison, my pistol shoots at only 360 fps but is very, very accurate. ( I have shot ragged hole groups of 5 shots at 30 feet off a rest)

Carl-

Craig,

Did you know that as pellets approach the speed of sound (1,100 fps) they become very unstable? Current (skirted) pellet designs do not alow for mach speed. Don't waste your money on anything too hot.

About 900 -950 fps is where you want to be for a hunting airgun.

By comparison, my pistol shoots at only 360 fps but is very, very accurate. ( I have shot ragged hole groups of 5 shots at 30 feet off a rest)

Carl-


Carl -

No, I didn't know that. I would have gone for the fastest I could afford, so that is some VERY good information. Thanks!

Also, I have heard that a typical rimfire rifle scope will self destruct if placed on an air rifle. Is this true?

Craig,


I agree with you about "going bigger" when hunting. My favorite PA brush gun is a Marlin lever action chambered in 35 Remington. In NJ I use an 870 Express with a Hastings slug barrel and a 4 power scope shooting sabot's. I will likely buy a new bolt within the next year, either 7mm-08 or 30-06.


Carl-


Carl:

I have never owned a lever action before. Bet that Marlin is one sweet shooter.

As far as bolt action rifles go, I invested in a 7mm STW a few years ago and got rid of my Ruger .30-'06.

The STW is fast and flat but it kicks like a mule. 3 shots without padding and I have a nice black and blue spot for 2 weeks. Most of my deer hunting is done fairly close in, so I am really thinking about something like one of those Ruger .44 carbines, or maybe something a LITTLE bigger. That cannon is just too much.

What about an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle? :biglaugh: :lmao: :lol: :vfunny:

You'll shoot your eye out!

Craig,

My buddy has the Marlin .44 lever action. He really likes it.

If you need any more umph, they make the .444 also. The Ruger carbine looks sweet, but I have never shot one.

A regular riflescope reticle will self-destruct on a Spring powered air rifle due to negative G's. The rifle jumps forward when the spring piston reaches the end of it's travel. Regular riflescopes are fine for CO2, pneumatics (pump up) and PCP (Pre-charged pneumatic) rifles.

PCP is the way to go for high power and high accuracy, but they will usually set you back $500 to $1,500 for a nice one

I know of one really nice PCP that is about $400, It is a Chinese manufacture, but gets fantastic reviews. If you are interested, I will send you the info. It comes in .177 and .22 versions. I am pretty sure it is the one I am going to buy (in .22 of course!).

Carl-

You'll shoot your eye out!


wolfnature eats paste, runs with scissors, AND wants a BB gun???

:biglaugh:

wolfnature eats paste, runs with scissors, AND wants a BB gun???

:biglaugh:

Pretty amazing I've survived this long isn't it? :bonk:

Back to the subject of the thread, haven't had an opportunity to go hunting in quite some time and has even been way too long since I've been fishing. I'm happy with any type of fishing, but really like deep sea fishing.

Pretty amazing I've survived this long isn't it? :bonk:

Back to the subject of the thread, haven't had an opportunity to go hunting in quite some time and has even been way too long since I've been fishing. I'm happy with any type of fishing, but really like deep sea fishing.

wolf, I have never been to Washington State, but isn't the deep sea fishing there pretty good? When I flew over Seattle a few years back, I was struck by how many salt marshes (if thats what they are) were on the coast. How is the fishing in them?

Heck, life is too short. Why not plan a trip NOW, and take it?

Carl:

I have never owned a lever action before. Bet that Marlin is one sweet shooter.

As far as bolt action rifles go, I invested in a 7mm STW a few years ago and got rid of my Ruger .30-'06.

The STW is fast and flat but it kicks like a mule. 3 shots without padding and I have a nice black and blue spot for 2 weeks. Most of my deer hunting is done fairly close in, so I am really thinking about something like one of those Ruger .44 carbines, or maybe something a LITTLE bigger. That cannon is just too much.

They make some really good recoil pads these days out of ultra-new viscoelastic stuff. Might wanna try that and maybe add a little weight to it as well.

Of course, I love the Marlin lever guns, too. I hunt with a 336 in .32 Special and rarely ever had to shoot a second time on deer, usually getting pass-through and a nice trail and very quick kill. It is about 50 years old but still keeps shots inside 2-3 inches from 25 to 100 yards. I have more powerful and newer guns, but every season it is that gun I take hunting. A .35 Rem with a 2x7 scope is great inside 150 yards or so. If you want more oomph and might shoot farther, but want reasonable recoil, try a .308 which you can get in any action --including lever guns. The .308 is good for anything from coyotes to elk and moose inside 250-300 yards but won't punish your shoulder. Being very popular, the ammo is cheap, too.

Man, I wish I had more time to shoot....

I went camping last week with my 8 year old daughter and had GPS coordinates to a Bear cave. We hiked out and the last mile or so was through the brush. When I showed the pictures to the people at work, they were appalled that I would take her on such a trek, but it is something she will remember for a long, long time. There have probably only been 3 or 4 people at that spot in the last 10 years, and I seriously doubt any of them were 8 year old girls.

I had 2 guns hanging on my wall when I was 12 years old. One was a 12 gauge shotgun. I got in fights at school, had arguments with siblings, went through breakups with girlfreinds and had teachers I could not stand. Using one of those guns in any of those circumstances never crossed my mind.
Carl-
I am catching up and had to respond. I took my boys, 12 and 10, on a 15 mile hike through the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky the week after Labor Day. I showed some folks at work the topographical maps and they thought I was nuts for "putting children in harm's way". On the other hand, my kids know how to respect a 400 foot drop on either side of a razor ridge, the importance of focus when you are 10 miles from a road, and the importance of watching where the next footstep is going to land. We camp probably 25-30 days a year and this kind of training carries over into daily life.

My boys both shoot the old Remington .22 with me. They know how to load, aim, fire, tear down, and clean it. They also know what it's for and where you point the barrel. I can't imagine either one using it for violence since it carries no more mystique than a toy boat.
-Ice

wolf, I have never been to Washington State, but isn't the deep sea fishing there pretty good? When I flew over Seattle a few years back, I was struck by how many salt marshes (if thats what they are) were on the coast. How is the fishing in them?

Heck, life is too short. Why not plan a trip NOW, and take it?

I am assuming you are referring to the Puget Sound. The whole area is great for fishing. Plus there are plenty of rivers and lakes hidden all over northwestern Washington. If you do consider taking a trip, I reccomend timing it during salmon season.

I took my boys, 12 and 10, on a 15 mile hike through the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky the week after Labor Day.
My boys both shoot the old Remington .22 with me. They know how to load, aim, fire, tear down, and clean it. They also know what it's for and where you point the barrel. I can't imagine either one using it for violence since it carries no more mystique than a toy boat.
-Ice

Hey Icy,

Long time no see. Hope you and yours are doing well. Sounds like you have some great kids there -- and I think I know why. You must be a rocket scientist or brain surgeon. ;)

Lately my 8-year old daughter has been challenging me extensively on my upcoming deer hunt -- she doesn't want me to shoot a deer. In previous years she has been kinda oblivious. I'm gently trying to explain things, but it may take awhile. But she shows an interest in shooting "but I don't want to kill a deer" she says. I said no problem, I won't make you go hunting any more than I'd force you to play any other sport. I told her when she's a little older I'll take her shooting, and I let her handle my guns when I'm cleaning them, always using it as an opportunity to stress the safety and responsibility aspects. And as you say, it takes away the mystique.

Have a great holiday, Icy.

I showed some folks at work the topographical maps and they thought I was nuts for "putting children in harm's way". On the other hand, my kids know how to respect a 400 foot drop on either side of a razor ridge, the importance of focus when you are 10 miles from a road, and the importance of watching where the next footstep is going to land. We camp probably 25-30 days a year and this kind of training carries over into daily life.



I can hear them now:

"Gee, you are nuts for taking your kids out with the bears, deer, and bobcats. Just imagine all of the things that could happen to them."

"Why not drop them at the mall to hang out, unsupervised and unattended, with who knows who will be hanging around with them? What could happen??"

Frankly, in the long run, they are likely better off with the bears.


Many of us have long running Thanksgiving hunting traditions. Please, even if you don't hunt, be safe, be happy, and be thankful.

Pennsylvania deer season opens on Monday - I'll be out with my brother and his oldest son, now 13. His daughter, turning 15 in December has decided to pass this year, but has been out with us the 2 prior years. It's always been a family thing - starting with Dad taking us, and before we were old enough to hunt, after Thanksgiving dinner, we'd set a target in the field (we lived on a farm) and Dad would check out the rifle he planned to hunt deer with - early on, ususally a "sporterized 30-40 Krag". Later on, a sporterized 30-06 , '03 Springfield. We'd end up shooting it as well and when you're 8 or 9, an 30-06 seems to kick a lot. We'd often have one of my grandfathers along as well.

Good luck to all PA hunters on Monday.

We kayaked out on the salt marshes just west of North Wildwood on Friday. We were on the hunt by 5:30 am. 28 degrees and WINDY! It was beautiful but that paddle out with icy water splashing up over the bow is HARSH! Two Mallards and a Merganser (we only hunted the a.m.) were all we brought home but it was well worth it.

NJ deer starts December 6th and there is a 10 pointer in the area that has evaded the bow hunters thus far.

Hope all you P.A. hunters are having a safe, bountiful hunt.

Carl-

I have a hunch "points" on antlers are calculated differently in the west than in the east.

Thus said, on Thanksgiving day we watched a white tail buck with 4 points on each antler browse in the lightly wooded area about twenty yards from our dining room window. He had a slight limp which could have been from an "event" with a moving vehicle or just from slipping on the treacherous ice when crossing a road.

We watched for an hour until we got bored and went into the living room for drinks and conversation. The only one still remotely interested was my sister-in-law's husky, who sat by the floor to ceiling window, watching intently until it got too dark to see, then the dog went to sleep under the dining room table.

Here in northern Illinois, no legal hunting is allowed in the counties surrounding Chicago, so the deer population is at nuisance level - cute to watch, but a pain in the backside when they nibble the ornamental plantings. Same thing with giant Canada geese and mallards who stay all year and don't migrate. Some days, navigating the parking lot at the shopping mall is like dodging landmines from all the goose poop. On an average day, I'll see 100-200 giant Canada geese and 20 or 30 mallards at the retention pond on the edge of the grocery store parking lot.

My 16 yr old son got his first deer this month. A 4 pointer! Unfortunately, he did not get any pictures. It is so funny listening to him recount the tale. Tom does not ever so any dramatic emotion (he has an engineer's heart), so it is like it was no big deal. His description is more from a technical account, than anything else! I asked him if his heart was racing, and he stated, only when he had to drag the deer out of the woods! Some kid! :biglaugh:

I noticed there was an earlier post which mentioned the tragic shootings this past week in Wisconsin.

More information has been released since the individual was charged yesterday with 6 counts of murder and 2 counts of attempted murder.

Four of the individuals died of gun shot wounds to the back, of which one was shot 4 times. One died of a shot to the head and one died of a shot to the abdomen.

Investigators are also searching for a connection to a similar incident 3 years ago that left another hunter dead after confronting a trespasser on his land. The shooter was never found.

Unfortunately, incidents and encounters, although not as violent, like these are on the rise in Wisconsin. I suspect more can be expected in the future.

Sad, sad situation.

Unfortunately, incidents and encounters, although not as violent, like these are on the rise in Wisconsin. I suspect more can be expected in the future.

Sad, sad situation.


Ken:

I am afraid I agree. There are at least 3 factors at work here (maybe more). I am only speaking about GA, but there may be similar pressures at work elsewhere.

First, rising property tax rates, along with more fallow land, have resulted in landowners wanting their land to make money, to pay those taxes. Therefore they are charging higher and higher hunting lease fees. Here in GA, those can run from $8 an acre (very rare) to over $20 an acre per year. The average is likely around $13. If someone pays $13 and acre (plus the expense and trouble of food plots) they get pretty unhappy if someone comes and tries to steal "their" deer. This is made worse by the fear of liability issues by the landowners, resulting in even higher costs to hunters because of insurance costs. This makes them even more unhappy about poachers.

Second, while farmers used to like for hunters to come and shoot those lousy crop-eatin' deer, there are now fewer acres under cultivation for cash crops (at least around here).

Third, the unfortunate general decline in social behavior, as discussed in other threads.

Sad.

I am definitely getting psyched for Monday.

How a grown man can be so excited by the thought of standing on a 2 foot by 4 foot platform, 30 feet up in a tree for 10 hours in 20 degree weather is something only those of us that have done it can understand.

I can't wait

Edit- Any of you folks use high quality binoculars? I am contemplating getting a new pair and wondered what you have found to be a good value.

Criteria:
Waterproof
Compact (but not necessarily ultra compact)
8 or 10 power (haven't decided which)

Carl-

db,

Either your son is excellent at hiding his excitement or getting a deer just doesn't mean much to him. After over 20 years chasing them and some success, my heart still goes into my throat when I see one when I'm hunting. This year what I thought was only a 4-point played hide and seek with me for about 5 minutes and my heart was beating so hard it was banging in my ears! He finally made the right (wrong for him) move and I ended up with a nice 8-point (eastern count -- all points counted) from public land.

Carl,

Just from what I have read, Leupold Wind River series is supposed to be a good value, and Nikon as well. Of course if you have loads of $$$ there are lots of choices. Cabelas has a wide assortment.

Mike,

Yes, I checked Cabelas as well as Sportsmans guide and Gander Mountain. There are also several online options. Normally I am pretty good at researching what I want, but there are SO MANY binocular manufacturers and different lines within manufacturers, it is proving difficult.

I don't need to plunk down $1,500 on a pair of Swarovskis, but I do want something decent. I thought someone might be using a pair they like and would recommend

Carl-

Carl,

One or more of the hunting magazines have done reviews of various binos in the last year. Try an on-line search of American Hunter, Outdoor Life, Peterson's Hunting, Field and Stream if you have time. Perhaps Consumer Reports as well. Sorry, mine are cheapos and I cannot recommend them -- someday....

Thanks Mike,

Sounds like a good idea, I'll give it a shot.

Carl-

Carl:

I have recently read an article on just this subject (American Hunter, maybe?). It said that they key to binocular quality is the coating on the optics. Some have no coating, some only one side, and the really nice ones are fully coated - all surfaces are coated, in other words. With what, I don't know.

My main deer rifle now has a Leaupold (sp?) variax-III (sorry about spelling, but hopefully you get the idea). I looked through a friend's new Ziess and could not believe the difference. Using mine was like walking around without my glasses on.

I have heard that some guides say to buy the best binocs you can afford, and to never, ever, ask to borrow a guide's pair. They are essential for them to make a living.

FWIW

Craig,
yes, I beleive the most common coating is Magnesium Flouride, but Zeiss, Steiner etc. obviously have some rare, proprietary concotion.

I can't afford to hire a guide, but I bet my buddy would lend me his because they are omly worth about $ 8 and have a cracked lens. hahaha!

I think I have settled on a pair of Bruntons that go for a little over $200. Waterproof and fully coated, roof prism, 10 power. I will let you guys know how good they are after I use them in the pouring rain at 38 degrees trying to see what is moving 1/2 hour before sunrise (Best test I could come up with and I always seem to encounter those conditions by way of luck)

I'm hunting Monday and Tuesday, see ya'all on Wednesday.

Thanks for all your input.

Carl-

Well, I'll trade ya my Tasco scope for your Leupold VX-III Craig!!!! Optics to me are like stereo systems -- you don't know how bad yours are until you see/hear something better, then you want the better stuff. I know my scope is nowhere near as bright and clear as better ones, but I also realize optics are like stereo systems (and many other things) in that the difference between the middle or modest price grade stuff and the high-end stuff is often a factor of 5x or 10x the price but rarely is the performance 5x or 10 x better. Considering my pocketbook probably the best I'll do is the middle level in almost everything, so I look forward to affording a new Leupold or Nikon scope.

Well, I'll trade ya my Tasco scope for your Leupold VX-III Craig!!!! Optics to me are like stereo systems -- you don't know how bad yours are until you see/hear something better, then you want the better stuff. I know my scope is nowhere near as bright and clear as better ones, but I also realize optics are like stereo systems (and many other things) in that the difference between the middle or modest price grade stuff and the high-end stuff is often a factor of 5x or 10x the price but rarely is the performance 5x or 10 x better. Considering my pocketbook probably the best I'll do is the middle level in almost everything, so I look forward to affording a new Leupold or Nikon scope.


Mike, I know what you mean. I used to have a Whitetail scope, which was pretty good, until I looked through a Nikon. I opted instead for the Leupold. Now, I guess the next one is going to be even more expensive.

I ought to know better than to shoot someone else's rifle

:eek:

Well, someone voted on the poll and "bumped" the thread, so I guess this is a good time to ask: How was your deer season?

In this part of GA, we had a bumper acorn crop, lots of warm weather, and just enough rain to keep the potholes moist. Even during the rut it was hard to see deer. I took a shot at one doe with my crossbow. The bolt went right where I aimed, but by the time it got there, the deer had moved. I also passed up shots on a couple of other does during gun season. I wish now that I had shot.

A friend of mine was hunting in a white oak. He had a 6-point come in and bed down right in front of him. All the deer had to do to feed was move his head from one side to the other, which he did for quite some time. In places it is still impossible to walk without crushing acorns.

Oh, well, years like this just make the good ones that much better. How was your hunting?

Spent opening day in the stand and walked back to my buddies house to fill our thermos's (Across a large hay feild) about 10:00 am

He was showing me a new scope he bought but had not attached to his Mini 14 as yet.

I was looking through it when movement caught my eye and I asked "when did your neighbor get dogs?" which was followed by me scrambling to grab my slug gun and a hurried stalk to the feild while throwing shells in the bottom.

I got within about 80 yards, a decent shot.

Much ado about nothing, 4 good size does, but I could not put antlers on any of them.

Rained most of the rest of the time.

Bambi's Dad is safe for 1 more season.

Ducks on the other hand, rained out of the sky for me this year.

Carl-

Spent opening day in the stand and walked back to my buddies house to fill our thermos's (Across a large hay feild) about 10:00 am

He was showing me a new scope he bought but had not attached to his Mini 14 as yet.

I was looking through it when movement caught my eye and I asked "when did your neighbor get dogs?" which was followed by me scrambling to grab my slug gun and a hurried stalk to the feild while throwing shells in the bottom.

I got within about 80 yards, a decent shot.

Much ado about nothing, 4 good size does, but I could not put antlers on any of them.

Rained most of the rest of the time.

Bambi's Dad is safe for 1 more season.

Ducks on the other hand, rained out of the sky for me this year.

Carl-

Spring is here (at least in Florida).

Just wanted to share a picture of the red my wife caught last week.

Spring is here (at least in Florida).

Just wanted to share a picture of the red my wife caught last week.


THAT's the way to start the season. How did you cook it?

I will be heading off to San Clemente island for some fishing tomorrow. I will post pics Monday.

THAT's the way to start the season. How did you cook it?


Grilled with butter, lemon and a little dill.

Well Saturday San Clemente was "hot" the Navy was bombing so could not fish there, instead went to the west side of Catalina and caught tons of Sheepshead, Whitefish and a few Mackerel. Nothing spectacular, but fun, none the less. We did catch one Black Sea Bass about 18 lbs. but the moratorium dictated we throw it back.

Maybe it will be better next time.

Well Saturday San Clemente was "hot" the Navy was bombing so could not fish there, instead went to the west side of Catalina and caught tons of Sheepshead, Whitefish and a few Mackerel. Nothing spectacular, but fun, none the less. We did catch one Black Sea Bass about 18 lbs. but the moratorium dictated we throw it back.

Maybe it will be better next time.
Wow! your own boat or a charter? That's a long boat ride out to the other side of Catalina. (Chilly, too, with the wind blowing over 58 degree water.)

The charters here are like cattle cars and expensive, anywhere from $60 - $100. It was our own boat, a 52' Tiara. The ride to Catalina is only about 2 hours, however going by way of San Clemente makes for a long ride. GPS tells me that I am only 26 miles from Avalon on Catalina. The water was surprisingly flat as glass on the way out and by 6:00AM (before we "sprung forward") temp was about 63 F, however by 9:00AM it was a pleasant 80 F. Water temp was a cool 61.4 F (according to the high tech gadgetry). It was truly one of those perfect days. Now my better half teases me about my sunburn, mind you she is teasing me as she is eating a fresh fish taco.... :tg:

Gee, IE, that sounds like a rough life!!

:lol:

The charters here are like cattle cars and expensive, anywhere from $60 - $100. It was our own boat, a 52' Tiara. The ride to Catalina is only about 2 hours, however going by way of San Clemente makes for a long ride. GPS tells me that I am only 26 miles from Avalon on Catalina. The water was surprisingly flat as glass on the way out and by 6:00AM (before we "sprung forward") temp was about 63 F, however by 9:00AM it was a pleasant 80 F. Water temp was a cool 61.4 F (according to the high tech gadgetry). It was truly one of those perfect days. Now my better half teases me about my sunburn, mind you she is teasing me as she is eating a fresh fish taco.... :tg:
And what does it cost in fuel to run the boat for round trip plus a little putzing to find a good spot to drop a line? That's an excellent boat. If I had to pay for it, I'd have to live on it because I couldn't afford a house.

:topic: What's the cruising range of a full tank?

IE, would you be kind enough to post your recipe for fish tacos? I have heard of them, on TV shows from (where else?) California, but I have no clue concerning how to prepare them. Do you think that fresh water fish (bass, white perch) would work?

IE, would you be kind enough to post your recipe for fish tacos? I have heard of them, on TV shows from (where else?) California, but I have no clue concerning how to prepare them. Do you think that fresh water fish (bass, white perch) would work?Just be sure to remove the bones! Don't those guys in California eat salt water fish raw?

And what does it cost in fuel to run the boat for round trip plus a little putzing to find a good spot to drop a line? That's an excellent boat. If I had to pay for it, I'd have to live on it because I couldn't afford a house.

:topic: What's the cruising range of a full tank?

We used about 190 gallons of fuel out and back. Figure about $3.30/gallon roughly, I am not exactly sure due to the fact that the fill station just bills me monthly and they have breakpoints based on how much fuel you get in a billing cycle. It averages about $3.30/gallon. I have modified fuel tanks that hold approximately 900 gallons and in using the generator normally with dual Cat 3406E dielsels I have a cruising range of about 450 nautical miles (or 517 statute miles).

IE, would you be kind enough to post your recipe for fish tacos? I have heard of them, on TV shows from (where else?) California, but I have no clue concerning how to prepare them. Do you think that fresh water fish (bass, white perch) would work?

My better half is the chef, however here is what I do.

Clean the fish (remove the bones) cut them up to about ring finger size and length, dip them in water, then dip them into very very very light fine bread crumbs. In the bread crumb mix add some crushed saffron (not too much) some pepper and some lemon salt (very little, a pinch should do) Fry em up in the Fry Daddy with either walnut oil or oil of your choice. We like the walnut oil best. Place two to three pieces in a soft shell tortilla, cover with dijon cole slaw add some cilantro to taste and enjoy. No cheese, no salsa, no beans.

I think any fish would work as long as it is "sturdy" enough to withstand the frying. Had some problems with Freshwater Perch, they kept falling apart.

Funny story, I ordered a Fish Taco platter at a restaurant in Greenville, SC and I got a Gorton's Fish Stick in a burrito. :biglaugh:

Enjoy and let me kow how they tasted

That's an excellent boat. If I had to pay for it, I'd have to live on it because I couldn't afford a house.

We enjoy our Tiara and are looking to upgrade next year to a larger one, but I am convinced it will be another Tiara, they are truly built with the boater in mind. They are so user friendly and have so much that you just don't think about until you are 200 miles from shore and wish you had. The storage is amazing, the motors are tied down tight, the access panels are right where they should be. I was convinced I wanted a Viking or a Bertram, but my buddy talked me into the Tiara and I am so glad he did. Vikings and Bertrams are nice, do not get me wrong. I am sure those owners have their own accolades.

Next time you are out this way, I love to take people out for the day. In fact next month I am taking a customer and his brother down to Mexico to fish there.

IE, thanks for the recipe. A coworker and I are going fishing on the lake I live on Wednesday afternoon. If we catch a bass, I'll have the stuff ready. There's already peanut oil in the fryer! I even have saffron on hand.

Fish stick burrito? Well, it IS creative, I guess. :rolleyes:

We used about 190 gallons of fuel out and back. Figure about $3.30/gallon roughly, I am not exactly sure due to the fact that the fill station just bills me monthly and they have breakpoints based on how much fuel you get in a billing cycle. It averages about $3.30/gallon. I have modified fuel tanks that hold approximately 900 gallons and in using the generator normally with dual Cat 3406E dielsels I have a cruising range of about 450 nautical miles (or 517 statute miles).

:eek: Where's the jealousy smiley!

I just wonder how someone in the Q field can ever afford such a toy (rhetorical question only)! Lord, but I must always end-up with the wrong darn company! :(

A young guy from Missouri moves to Florida and goes to a big "everything under the roof department store" looking for a job.
The manager says " Do you have any sales experience?"
The kid says " Yeah, I was a salesman back home in Missouri."
Well, the boss liked the kid so he gave him the job.
"You start tomorrow, I'll come down after we close and see how you did."
His first day on the job was rough but he got through it.
After the store was locked up, the boss came down, "How many sales did you make today?"
The kid says "one."
The boss says, "just one?!! Our sales people average 20 to 30 sales a day!
How much was the sale for?
The kid says " $101,237.64"
The boss says, "$101,23764? WHAT THE HECK DID YOU SELL?"
Kid says, " First I sold him a small fish hook, then I sold him a medium fish hook, then I sold him a larger fish hook, then I sold him a new fishing rod, then I asked him where he was going fishing and he said down at the coast, so I told him he was gonna need a boat, so we went down to the boat department and I sold him that twin engine Chris Craft.
Then he said he didn't think his Honda Civic would pull it, so I took him down to the automotive department and sold him that 4x4 Expedition."
The boss said, " A guy came in here to buy a fish hook and you sold him a BOAT AND A TRUCK??"
The kid says, " No, he came in here to buy a box of feminine hygiene products for his wife and I said, "Well, your weekend's shot, you might as well go fishing.."

IE, thanks for the recipe. A coworker and I are going fishing on the lake I live on Wednesday afternoon. If we catch a bass, I'll have the stuff ready. There's already peanut oil in the fryer! I even have saffron on hand.

Fish stick burrito? Well, it IS creative, I guess. :rolleyes:


Well, how were the Fish Tacos?

Well, how were the Fish Tacos?


Well, I had everything to make them EXCEPT THE FISH!!! We only caught 3 or 4 bream that were so small we think they were mugged by our deadly trained crickets. We just couldn't get the bass to bite.

I refused to buy fish sticks as backup.

Maybe this weekend...

Hey Stew -- or anyone...

Have you seen or tried the new S&W .460 handgun yet? Supposedly a really flat-shooter, with less maiming on the shooter's end.

Last weekend I saw a New England Firearms single shot with a bull barrel in .204 Ruger. It sounds like it should be a really good choice for coyotes. Anyone had any experience with this round?

Last weekend I saw a New England Firearms single shot with a bull barrel in .204 Ruger. It sounds like it should be a really good choice for coyotes. Anyone had any experience with this round?

Nope, only read about it. The gun scribes seem to like it, though. Might be a good excuse to get a new gun!

Okay Cove sportsmen...if you could go on any one hunting or fishing trip, all expenses paid, for 7 days, where would you go and what would the quarry be?

Okay Cove sportsmen...if you could go on any one hunting or fishing trip, all expenses paid, for 7 days, where would you go and what would the quarry be?
Well..........my mother and brother are partners in a campground in Northern Michigan, so I'll have to say politically...that I am obligated to say their campground, and going for some monster bass or pike at Fletcher’s Floodwaters.

Okay Cove sportsmen...if you could go on any one hunting or fishing trip, all expenses paid, for 7 days, where would you go and what would the quarry be?

The where is easy. Alaska. The what? Well, my main "thing" is being outdoors, but if it was winter, hunting, for moose, bear, whatever. Summer, one of those back country fly-in fishing trips will do nicely, thank you.

Fishing for Bonita off the coast of Belize.

Staying in Francis Ford Coppola's resort and sitting at the Marlin Bar telling tall tales listening to Jimmy Buffet croon while scantily clad long haired dictionaries serve me margaritas and other local potables while eating fresh fish tacos

:naughty: :D :applause: :lmao:

Fishing for Bonita off the coast of Belize.

Staying in Francis Ford Coppola's resort and sitting at the Marlin Bar telling tall tales listening to Jimmy Buffet croon while scantily clad long haired dictionaries serve me margaritas and other local potables while eating fresh fish tacos

:naughty: :D :applause: :lmao:

Sounds like you've given that some prior thought, IE! :yes:

As for me, it would probably be a safari in the Luangua (sp?) Valley area of Africa. Primary focus: Cape Buffalo. Lots of leg-wearying walking, spotting, and stalking during the day and good food (fresh impala tenderloin anyone?) and a Long Island Iced Tea or two by the campfire at night. The sounds of the bush to serenade you to sleep. Ahhhhhh....

I had never heard of this before - Maybe you have... From: http://springfield.news-leader.com/lifestyle/today/20050505-Noodlersgettria.html

Noodling is when fishermen go underwater, find a big catfish and grab it by the lip or jaw. Or, the fish can grab them, clamping down on an arm, wrist or leg. The fish is then wrestled to the surface.

It's an accepted sport in 11 other states, including Arkansas, Oklahoma and Illinois. But since 1919, it has been illegal in Missouri.

I had never heard of this before - Maybe you have... From: http://springfield.news-leader.com/lifestyle/today/20050505-Noodlersgettria.html

Noodling is when fishermen go underwater, find a big catfish and grab it by the lip or jaw. Or, the fish can grab them, clamping down on an arm, wrist or leg. The fish is then wrestled to the surface.

It's an accepted sport in 11 other states, including Arkansas, Oklahoma and Illinois. But since 1919, it has been illegal in Missouri.

I have actually heard of this, I am sorry to admit. When I was in the deep south, it appeared to be a rite of passage (or at least a day off work) for most folks. I have heard it called a lot of other names as well (some are not repeateable here)

I would rather be on a boat, sipping a beverage, with a line in the water and let them come to me......

Seems if we were meant to "swim with the fishes" then we would have gills or at a minimum more NJ Mafia folks to help us along.

Yeah, I have heard of it, but I am surprised that I have never heard of anyone doing it around here. I have, however, heard of catching snapping turtles in much the same manner. They feel around for the shell and then yank it out of the water.

Notice I said they. While I am not really afraid of snakes, I do have a rather healthy respect for them. Also, I happen to like each and every appendage that I possess. I have seen snapping turtles bite tree limbs and such. A finger would only be an appetizer.

Big News!!!! As of July 1st, 2005, noodling is officially legal in Georgia!!!

If anyone wants hotel information or a guide just let me know!! :rolleyes:

Noodling in GA huh?

Well cancel my trip to Costa Rica, I am going to GA.

Actually for those deep sea fishers out there, are you prepared to turn green with envy?

I am leaving on the day before my birthday for a week long fish fest at Los Suenos Resort in Costa Rica. We are not taking my boat this time, we are taking my buddy's brand spanking new 71' Viking Sportfisher.

I am so excited I was thinking I would go sleep on the dock until it is time to leave.

Pictures to soon follow:

http://www.lossuenosresort.com

Noodling in GA huh?

Well cancel my trip to Costa Rica, I am going to GA.



AHA!! I just knew this is what we needed to reel in all of those big time fishermen!!!

Tell you what. I'll trade you, and you can come here noodling if I can go to Costa Rica in your place. I wouldn't do this for just anyone, mind you....

Some of my coworkers saw the article on the MO noodlin' law, and had NO idea what noodlin' was. Here in western KY, it's usually called hawgin'. My grandfather did it with his friends quite a bit, years ago, and he and my dad have told me some good stories about their adventures. I've never had the nerve to try it. The snakes don't bother me, but the possibility of sticking my hand in front of an alligator snapper or a beaver leads me to stick with bait, hook, line, and rod :lol: :mg: .

My ideal fishing trip would be to Treasure Lake (or a location like it) in Cuba. Back in the late 1960's or early 1970's, before the US gov cracked down on travel, the fishing organization B.A.S.S offered guided trips to this lake. Over 30 years ago, this lake had the potential for a world record largemouth bass, and I imagine it's even better today. I'd love to try.

My ideal fishing trip would be to Treasure Lake (or a location like it) in Cuba. Back in the late 1960's or early 1970's, before the US gov cracked down on travel, the fishing organization B.A.S.S offered guided trips to this lake. Over 30 years ago, this lake had the potential for a world record largemouth bass, and I imagine it's even better today. I'd love to try.

I guess I am bragging, but that is one of the things I like about living in GA. Since the world record resides here, and has for around 70 years, every time I throw a worm or a lure there is that chance...

I have a 10 lb 11 ounce bass on the wall, and 14 years ago last week (when I took a week off between jobs) I had one hooked that was half again that big. This was at the lake that I built my house on 3 years ago. That's no "fish tale".

My aunt took the one on the wall back to Ohio to get it mounted as a graduation present and said that the traffic at the shop picked up because of folks coming to see it. If it had been caught there, I think it would have been close to the state record! As it is here, though, I know several people who have a 10+ pound bass on the wall. 8 pounders are not at all unusual. And, no, I am not with the Chamber of Commerce, but I can put you in touch if you wish.

We have an external audit today, so I have announced that I am playing hookey Friday. Here, fishy, fishy.

Yes, you ARE bragging :lol: :lol: :lol: . I would too! A 10 lb bass is plenty to brag about, very cool! What lake do you live on?

My little brother lives in the Santa Barbara, CA area. 4 years ago we went to visit, and he took me out on Lake Casitas. I believe the 2nd largest bass on record was caught there, and plenty of 15-20 lb bass have been hauled out in the last 15-20 years. It was pretty cool fishing in a place where the next cast might be the world record (of course, our biggest of the day was 3lb).

Do you remember any of the buzz about Treasure Lake?

I live on a 45 acre lake called Hidden Lake. I would be surprised if you have heard of it.

On the other hand, I have most certainly heard of Casitas, and vaguely remember hearing about the lake in Cuba. It might still be great, but on the other hand I have to wonder if it has been properly managed.

One of the great things about fishing is, unless you live in a desert, you are usually within a few minutes of some kind of fishing. It might not be great fishing, but it is fishing nonetheless.

Well, our auditor got held up in ATL last night, but he's supposed to be here any minute, so I had better get busy. ARRRGH!!!

AHA!! I just knew this is what we needed to reel in all of those big time fishermen!!!

Tell you what. I'll trade you, and you can come here noodling if I can go to Costa Rica in your place. I wouldn't do this for just anyone, mind you....

Ummm -- well --- see the thing is---- As much as I would love to trade you, I am thinking NO!

I appreciate your offer and as inticing as it sounds, I must respectfully decline.

Thanks though!

IE, I can't say that I blame you. However, I must add one word of caution: If the irresistible urge to partake of the noodling adventure were to become apparent while you are in Costa Rica, it is likely a very BAD idea to try noodling in the ocean. Those sharks have TEETH!!!

The offer still stands if you want to reconsider. :lmao:

You mean you can't noodle in the ocean?

That is the real man's sport. Imagine sitting in 230' of water, diving down and grabbing onto a snout of small 200 lb sailfish then riding the wave until he tires so you can bring him back to shore (or onto the deck)

That is the real man's sport.
With or without SCUBA gear?
If you are looking for a "real man's sport" in Costa Rica, go into the jungle and start kicking over ant hills!!!
Actually I think that would be called a "dead man's sport".
I'll stick with my pan frys.

[QUOTE=Randy Stewart]If you are looking for a "real man's sport" in Costa Rica, go into the jungle and start kicking over ant hills!!!
Actually I think that would be called a "dead man's sport".
QUOTE]

Ya can't outrun the little buggers??? :eek:

I am leaving on the day before my birthday for a week long fish fest at Los Suenos Resort in Costa Rica. We are not taking my boat this time, we are taking my buddy's brand spanking new 71' Viking Sportfisher.

I am so excited I was thinking I would go sleep on the dock until it is time to leave.

Pictures to soon follow:



Hey, IE, been fishing yet? Do you have any pictures or fish tales?

I have been to the Mecca and returned safely.

I do not have pics with me today, however I will have them to upload on Monday.

We had an awesome time. Costa Rica is the new Florida. There are high dollar marinas all over the place, housing neighborhoods are sprouting up all over and oceanfront acreage is going for $.50 per square meter. They have an excellent health care system and we even ate McDonald's one night.

The fishing was spectacular. It was like shooting fish in a barrell. Our companion boat wrangled a 790 lb. sail. Our biggest catch was a 440 lb. sail. They are real big into the catch and release down there for sails, big tunas and some types of sharks so you had better have the camera ready. There are even gals who hang out at the marinas offering to go out with you to serve drinks, make food and take pictures. We were a little hesitant that it was a scam, but it was all on the up and up.

The details for those who are interested:

- Boat = 70' Viking Sportfisher (2-1200 MANs)
- Co. Boat = 52' CABO Express (2-1000 MANs)
- Days on the line - 5
- No. of catches = 140
- Largest = 440 lb. Sail Fish
- Smallest = 2 lb. Dorado
- Most Exotic = 230 lb. Nurse Shark
- Beers consumed = 252
- Poles Lost = 3
- Lines broke = 15 to 20
- Longest Battle = 3 1/2 hours
- Men Overboard = 1
- Pics taken = 200+
- Pics of fish = 50 or so
- Lies told to spouses = ALOT
- Time in TSA/Customs security checkpoint trying to explain coolers = 3

Pics soon to follow

IE, any connection between the beers consumed and the man overboard? Also, I looked briefly on Google yesterday for a link to a site with info on the 70' Viking, but no luck. Lots of smaller used boats though. Do you know of a site?

The green glow here in the Midwest is my envy! You should be able to see it all the way out to California!

The green glow here in the Midwest is my envy! You should be able to see it all the way out to California!


Yes, Wes, me too. This noodling business just can't compare. The pictures should be a treat, though.

IE, any connection between the beers consumed and the man overboard? Also, I looked briefly on Google yesterday for a link to a site with info on the 70' Viking, but no luck. Lots of smaller used boats though. Do you know of a site?

http://vikingyachts.com/models/68c/68c_main.asp

Try this one.

Hey, IE, someone voted in the poll and bumped this thread. Can you post pictures now?

On the home front it is now into firearms deer season here. I have been a few times. T.J., the 14 year old son of one of our members, has been waiting a few years to shoot his first buck. He wanted a good one, and has been shooting just does for meat. His family eats almost no beef, but has deer many nights a week for supper. Anyway, after passing up many decent bucks his patience was finally rewarded opening morning, from a stand that I helped build. 150 yard shot at a moving 8-point that anyone would be proud of. Priceless.

Wow I do my best QA work while fighting a bass...it reminds me of why I get up every morning pull my hair into a ponytail, put on my heels, and insure the work is tip-top so the props spin and they can fly another day...hope the rest of you like wetting a line and pulling in the big ones too! Annie

Wow I do my best QA work while fighting a bass...it reminds me of why I get up every morning pull my hair into a ponytail, put on my heels, and insure the work is tip-top so the props spin and they can fly another day...hope the rest of you like wetting a line and pulling in the big ones too! Annie

Welcome to the Cove:bigwave: . Let me tell you, I was very relieved when I got to the end of your post and saw that your name is Annie, and not Bill or Fred :mg: .

Hmmm...I could have been named Billie Jeane or Frankie or Fredrica but alas 'Annie' is what my QA friends call me! Sooo when will we have the first annual 'Cove' fishing get-together?

I live across the street from a 50 or 60 acre lake, operated by our county Forest Preserve (Independence Grove), well-stocked with gamefish, but, alas, it is strictly a "catch and release" proposition and you still require a license if you are over 16. This means we have to buy fish to eat. We could always go a few miles east and charter a boat (or a fleet!) to fish for Coho Salmon in Lake Michigan.

They do have a bar in the clubhouse, though!

go to maps.google.com and enter
16400 W Buckley Rd, Libertyville, IL, 60048
switch to the satellite view and check out the lake - boats and canoes available (protected and guarded swimming beach, too!)

South Jersey Coastal Ducks update.

Opening day we had 15 (mostly teal, a few woodies and blacks) between 3 of us at 9:30 am at 10:30 our day was done.

3 hunts since then would not keep anyone well fed to say the least. One or two here and there.

It has been beautiful out on the marsh though.

Carl-

In the recent news about one hunter shooting another during a quail hunting outing, I seem to have missed the item where the material of the shot which entered the wounded hunter was steel or lead.

Do any of you still use lead shot in your shells?

Here is some data about the ramifications of lead. Perhaps we could incorporate this information in a sort of FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis) for hunting and skeet/trap shooting.

Lead is different. It's an element, so it's already as broken down as it can get, and never gets less toxic in nature. And once lead is in nature, there is no easy way to get it out. It's bad enough that so many lead pellets and sinkers are already in lakes, ponds, streams, forests, and fields, but people continue to add more. Most states still allow lead to be used while hunting on non-Federal land (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bans its use in waterfowl hunting everywhere, and on upland hunting on all federal lands). And New Hampshire is the only state that currently bans lead sinkers.
Lead gets into bodies three main ways.

Getting shot: Pellets for shot guns and bullets for rifles used to virtually always be made of lead. When something is shot but not killed, the pellets or slugs that remain in their bodies can lead to low-grade, chronic lead poisoning, especially if a piece of lead is near or in a bone.
Breathing it: Some industries such as smelting and battery manufacturing release lead into the air through smokestacks. When gasoline for cars used to contain lead, and the gasoline was burned to power the engine, the lead escaped in smoke through the exhaust pipe, and went into the air, too. The air we breathe isn't usually contaminated enough to cause direct problems.
Swallowing it:
There are several ways lead can be swallowed:
Rain washes lead in the air down to earth, where it collects in soil and water. Industrial areas and areas near highways and busy streets can get big build-ups of lead this way. And this causes household dust and the dust on playgrounds in these areas to have high levels of lead. Swallowing these particles can cause low-grade, chronic lead poisoning. That's a big reason why cars made since 1973 have had to be able to run on lead-free gas, and why leaded gas for cars is now banned in Canada and the US.
Lead used to be a common ingredient in house paints, and is still found in some paints. Paint often peels and chips in places like windowsills. Babies and toddlers swallowing leaded paint can get chronic lead poisoning. Broken-down paint chips also contribute to the lead in dust.
Glazes used in pottery often contain lead. This is okay for pottery made as artwork, but not for dishes or birdbaths! Many kinds of food and beverages dissolve small amounts of the glaze, and the person or bird can eat or drink the lead, too! If this happens often enough, it can lead to chronic lead poisoning.
Shotgun pellets at the bottom of lakes, ponds, and streams. Most of the shot used in duck and goose hunting doesn't actually hit anything, and rains down to earth. Every year duck hunters left about 6,000 TONS of lead shot in United States ponds, lakes and rivers before the US Fish and Wildlife Service banned its use in waterfowl hunting. And lead shot is still legal for use in "upland game hunting" (for grouse, pheasants, squirrels, etc.).

This lead on the bottom of ponds, lakes and rivers is picked up by fish, and also by dabbling ducks, geese, and swans, who pick up a wide variety of tiny plants and animals on the bottom, sift out the water and mud through their strainer-type bills, and swallow the particles of food, tiny stones, and lead. The stones and lead remain in their gizzards (a chamber of their stomachs), helping them to grind their food. The stones in the gizzard slowly wear away into often-useful minerals. Lead is so heavy it sits on the bottom of the stomach for a long time, slowly but steadily dissolving and entering directly into the blood stream, causing acute lead poisoning.

In forests and fields lead shot can be picked up by grouse, sparrows, cranes, and other ground feeders. Of course ducks, geese, and swans pick up many more pellets than do upland birds and other animals, but it's still a problem in heavily hunted areas. Lead in the stomachs of these animals also causes acute lead poisoning.

Lead sinkers lost by anglers sit on the bottom of the water, too, and are also picked up by fish, waterfowl, and loons. Sinkers are larger than pellets, so a single sinker can cause far more dangerous lead levels, and acute poisoning, than a single pellet. Lead shot is now banned for waterfowl hunting, but lead sinkers are still legal almost everywhere, except the state of New Hampshire, which banned its use in 2000.
Predators and scavengers that eat prey containing lead shot often eat some of the lead pellets, which cause acute lead poisoning. Eagles and hawks often kill or scavenge on ducks killed or crippled by lead shot, and loons pick up fish that have swallowed lead shot.
Scavengers eating deer that were shot but got away before dying also pick up the lead slugs in the bodies, causing acute lead poisoning.

OK, Wes, I am going to take this at face value, but I have to wonder who this "expert" is. Why no attribution?

Because it is so hard, and wears parts so quickly (and can be dangerous in certain situations), to my knowledge steel shot (and other, non-lead material) is mainly used for waterfowl. I have never heard of any other hunting application.

It would be impractical for bullets, IMO, because whatever the bullet is made of has to be malleable enough to grab the grooves in the barrel that impart spin to the bullet. If a predator did bite into a rifled slug, 00 buckshot, or a .30 caliber bullet, I would think that the hardness of the material would make them want to spit it out, but that is just a guess.

Again, who wrote this? Please be VERY careful who you listen to when reading/talking about hunting and fishing. There are groups like the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) that sound like dog pound organizations that are really animal rights, um, folks. We also need to be careful, as when certain, um, types are involved it goes from zero to highly political faster than a speeding bullet.

That said, I would rather not eat/drink/take a breath of lead.

OK, Wes, I am going to take this at face value, but I have to wonder who this "expert" is. Why no attribution?

Because it is so hard, and wears parts so quickly (and can be dangerous in certain situations), to my knowledge steel shot (and other, non-lead material) is mainly used for waterfowl. I have never heard of any other hunting application.

It would be impractical for bullets, IMO, because whatever the bullet is made of has to be malleable enough to grab the grooves in the barrel that impart spin to the bullet. If a predator did bite into a rifled slug, 00 buckshot, or a .30 caliber bullet, I would think that the hardness of the material would make them want to spit it out, but that is just a guess.

Again, who wrote this? Please be VERY careful who you listen to when reading/talking about hunting and fishing. There are groups like the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) that sound like dog pound organizations that are really animal rights, um, folks. We also need to be careful, as when certain, um, types are involved it goes from zero to highly political faster than a speeding bullet.

That said, I would rather not eat/drink/take a breath of lead.
I'm a "semi-crusader" on this topic, but my research is based on science data from EPA and other government sources like Fish & Wildlife, etc.
http://www.nationalatlas.gov/mld/wlleadt.html
talks about a map locating bird deaths due to lead poisoning
The raw data is available here http://www.nationalatlas.gov/metadata/wlleadt.faq.html
The State of Michigan Dept of Natural Resources takes up the topic at
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12150_12220-26676--,00.html
It includes this quote[Printer Friendly] (http://www.michigan.gov/printerFriendly/0,1687,7-153-10370_12150_12220-26676--,00.html) http://www.michigan.gov/images/0_99_7.gif[Text Version] (http://www.michigan.gov/textonly/1,2964,7-153-10370_12150_12220-26676--,00.html) http://www.michigan.gov/images/0_99_7.gifA (http://www.michigan.gov/SizeUp) a (http://www.michigan.gov/SizeDown)Lead Poisoning


http://www.michigan.gov/images/leadpois_20042_7.jpg


Description

Lead poisoning has been recognized as a mortality factor in waterfowl since the late 1800's. Lead poisoning cases today are either the result of ingestion of spent lead shot or fishing sinkers and jig heads during normal feeding activities. When the lead reaches the acidic environment of the gizzard (ducks, geese and swans) or the ventriculus (loons), it is worn down, dissolved, and absorbed into body tissues. Once the lead reaches toxic levels in the tissues, muscle paralysis and associated complications result in death.

Distribution

Ducks, geese, swans and loons are the animals most commonly affected by lead ingestion, however, upland game birds including mourning doves, wild turkeys, pheasants, and quail are occasionally affected. Lead poisoning has also been noted in small mammals (raccoon) and raptors, presumably from the ingestion of lead contaminated prey. In ducks, geese and swans, lead poisoning is most commonly seen during migration in the late fall and early spring. In heavily contaminated areas, cases may be seen at any time of year.

Transmission and Development

When lead is ingested, the pellets, sinkers, or jig heads lie in the gizzard or ventriculus and begin to erode. The lead enters the circulatory system and mimics the movement of calcium. It becomes stored within the bones and is excreted via the bile into the feces.

Clinical Signs and Pathology

Clinical signs of lead poisoning include lowered food intake, weakness, weight loss, drooping wings, inability to fly, and green watery diarrhea. In ducks, geese, and swans, necropsy may reveal an enlarged gallbladder, impacted proventriculus, and a cracked, green-stained, peeling gizzard lining, with or without lead shot present. In loons, the ventriculus lining may be stained dark green and will have the piece of lead present. Blood smears may reveal a slight anemia. On microscopic examination, acid-fast inclusion bodies may be seen in kidney tubular epithelial cells.

In waterfowl a dose as small as 1 pellet can result in anemia, while a lethal dose of 5 or more pellets can result in death due to heart attack or muscle paralysis. Occasionally cephalic edema (swollen head) may be seen in Canada geese.

It has been proposed that the mortality directly due to lead poisoning may be secondary to the losses due to "non-lethal" effects of lead such as reproductive problems, increased susceptibility to disease and infection, and increased predation due to anemia and weakened muscles.


The guy who writes the "Straight Dope" column has addressed the issue of lead fishing weights here
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mfishsinkers.html

If one merely wants to address the topic of the toxicity of lead in the environment, here's a place to start:
http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro/lead.html

I, personally, may be a kook on the topic, but my data is not plucked out of thin air or massaged to reach a pre-conceived conclusion. Others look at similar data and arrive at similar conclusions. I know that in my first forty years of upland bird and waterfowl shooting, I put hundreds, maybe thousands of pounds of lead shot into the environment until I saw my first dead goose wasted away by lead poisoning when I took a tour of a traveling Fish & Wildlife exhibit. I haven't used lead shot since.

Wes,

Ok. I am one of the "kooks" who think that anyone caught hunting waterfowl with lead shot should have shotguns confiscated, licenses revoked for a few years and the like, so we are not too far apart on this, I think. As far as lead sinkers and jig heads, I have begun to see non-lead shot, and will use it if it is available. As an aside, I went to Wheeler Wildlife preserve near Decatur AL a few weeks ago and learned how bobbing ducks, feeding on the bottom, can injest lead sinkers and shot, so I will seek out more of the non-lead sinkers (BTW, Wheeler is WORTH THE TRIP).

So, we have several sources of lead, one of which (lead shot for waterfowl) has been illegal for some time now (I know, there are slobs that own shotguns and will use lead shot, though). This to me begs the questions: Which source is the worst offender? Where should we start looking for the most effective approach to the problem?

Some folks think that hunters and fishermen (fisherfolks?) are somehow anti-enviromnent. In most cases this is so far from the truth to be laughable, if some of the results of this misconception were not so detrimental.

Ever shoot for pheasant over a harvested corn field and surprise a flock of geese gorging themselves on the spilled corn kernels? Lead shot is lead shot. Birds don't respect fences when it comes to food. When these birds look for something hard to put in their craw to grind the food, they don't restrict themselves to ponds and streams.

Ever shoot for pheasant over a harvested corn field and surprise a flock of geese gorging themselves on the spilled corn kernels? Lead shot is lead shot. Birds don't respect fences when it comes to food. When these birds look for something hard to put in their craw to grind the food, they don't restrict themselves to ponds and streams.


Its been years since my Dad took my brothers and I pheasant hunting in rural Illinois, hunts I fondly remember. I don't remember any geese though your point is well taken. Sounds to me that you are advocating an alternative to lead shot for all hunting?

Hi Guys and Gals,

Just wanted to know where all the fishing people are. I thought I would post some pictures from a couple of my trips into the Gulf of Mexico here along the Alabama coast. Thought you might enjoy them.
I hope the atachments work???

1. The fight is on
2. 110# Yellowfin Tuna
3. 35# Bull Dolphin (MahiMahi not Flipper)
4. 45# King Mackeral later in the year in the Sertoma Tournament
5. Sending a well deserved beer to the captain up in the tuna tower

Oh Yeah, HAPPY MARDI GRAS !!!!

Its been years since my Dad took my brothers and I pheasant hunting in rural Illinois, hunts I fondly remember. I don't remember any geese though your point is well taken. Sounds to me that you are advocting an alternative to lead shot for all hunting?
Pretty much! If we really are the "sportsmen" (and sportswomen) we hold ourselves out to be, we should have some consideration for the sustainability of the creatures we hunt and fish.

In the total scope of things, ammo is one of the least expensive things about a hunt. I recall the breakfasts we used to have at a small restaurant at 5:00 am down the road from the farm where we hunted cost a lot more than the box of shells our whole party used in a day of hunting.

I'm pretty sure my guns didn't care whether I shot lead or steel. The birds were just as dead either way.

:topic: I recall reading recently in a brochure about raising American Bison (buffalo) the contention the eradication of the vast millions of buffalo in the United States was a planned result of a government program to deny a food source to Native American tribes in an effort to force them to vacate areas to make room for white settlers to immigrate and farm.

As real sportsmen, we must constantly be alert to various "wildlife management" schemes to discern the true reason underlying some of them which may have more to do with currying favor of politically connected agriculture, forestry, and mining company owners than of actually preserving the stock of wildlife. Even American Indian tribes seem more interested in getting new casino sites than in preserving wilderness and wildlife.

Hi Guys and Gals,

Just wanted to know where all the fishing people are. I thought I would post some pictures from a couple of my trips into the Gulf of Mexico here along the Alabama coast. Thought you might enjoy them.
I hope the atachments work???

1. The fight is on
2. 110# Yellowfin Tuna
3. 35# Bull Dolphin (MahiMahi not Flipper)
4. 45# King Mackeral later in the year in the Sertoma Tournament
5. Sending a well deserved beer to the captain up in the tuna tower

Oh Yeah, HAPPY MARDI GRAS !!!!
OK! I'm envious. I'd even put up with "mal de mer" to spend a day in the sun and water to land ANY of these (even the beer!)

Pretty much! If we really are the "sportsmen" (and sportswomen) we hold ourselves out to be, we should have some consideration for the sustainability of the creatures we hunt and fish.

In the total scope of things, ammo is one of the least expensive things about a hunt. I recall the breakfasts we used to have at a small restaurant at 5:00 am down the road from the farm where we hunted cost a lot more than the box of shells our whole party used in a day of hunting.

I'm pretty sure my guns didn't care whether I shot lead or steel. The birds were just as dead either way.

:topic: I recall reading recently in a brochure about raising American Bison (buffalo) the contention the eradication of the vast millions of buffalo in the United States was a planned result of a government program to deny a food source to Native American tribes in an effort to force them to vacate areas to make room for white settlers to immigrate and farm.

As real sportsmen, we must constantly be alert to various "wildlife management" schemes to discern the true reason underlying some of them which may have more to do with currying favor of politically connected agriculture, forestry, and mining company owners than of actually preserving the stock of wildlife. Even American Indian tribes seem more interested in getting new casino sites than in preserving wilderness and wildlife.


Wes,

I knew our thinking was close on this issue. I don't hunt birds much, except for turkey. I will try to find alternative turkey shot, but if my last couple of years are any indication the chances of my polluting with lead shot or feathers are pretty slim.

Now, is there a viable alternative for rifles and rifled shotgun slugs?

Wes,

I knew our thinking was close on this issue. I don't hunt birds much, except for turkey. I will try to find alternative turkey shot, but if my last couple of years are any indication the chances of my polluting with lead shot or feathers are pretty slim.

Now, is there a viable alternative for rifles and rifled shotgun slugs?
Yep. This is a tougher proposition and not addressed as much in environmental issues because the larger bullets and slugs are not as easily ingested as the shotgun pellets.

Here's one alternate:
Non-Lead Bullets - Development of non-toxic replacement materials for lead in small arms projectiles employing powder metallurgy techniques. Composite simulants for lead were developed by binding heavy hard metals such as tungsten together with soft light metals such as tin or zinc. The density and properties of the bullets with the non-lead composites mimic those of lead producing no change in ballistic performance. The impact behavior of the composite materials has been altered through composition, starting materials, and processing. In addition, the density of the composite simulant can be altered to adjust the dimensions of a projectile or weight distribution within a bullet, either enhancing or diminishing stability and performance. This technology was transferred from the laboratory to industry in one year.

Other alternates include using jacketed bullets for brass or tungsten bullets, but they do more "piercing" and less impacting. Some of the jacketed bullets (teflon coated) are called "cop killers" because they can pierce some lightweight "bulletproof" vests, but then MOST rifle rounds (jacketed or unjacketed) will also pierce lightweight vests. The original point of jacketing of some alternate bullets was to prevent fouling of the rifling in the guns and had nothing to do with increased penetration. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teflon_coated_bullet)

Wes,

I will have to look into it, but at one time, if I remember correctly, here we were (are?) not allowed to use jacketed bullets. I know military-spec were not to be used.

The reason for this is expansion upon impact.

This is the first I have heard of the alloys, though. Any idea which brand names are using that technology?

Wes,

I will have to look into it, but at one time, if I remember correctly, here we were (are?) not allowed to use jacketed bullets. I know military-spec were not to be used.

The reason for this is expansion upon impact.

This is the first I have heard of the alloys, though. Any idea which brand names are using that technology?Here's two.
Google "non-lead bullets"
http://www.frangiblebullets.com
http://www.barnesbullets.com/

Frangible lead free ammo is the way to go! There is a supplier that is ISO registered, manufactures and sells to the general public. If you are interested, check out International Cartridge in Reynoldsville (burg?), PA

www.iccammo.com

That's a great contact for me. It's about 40mi from my home.
Thanks!
Mooser

Craig and Wes,
You've convinced me. I am removing the lead sinkers from my tackle box. I have a collection of several hundred small rocks with holes in them (don't ask) that will require a bit more tying but will certainly be less toxic on the bottom of the pond. While we are on the subject: please remember to pack out every bit of monofilament line, plastic reels for line and plastic or styrofoam bait packaging from your fishing hole. None of this stuff breaks down and discarded birdsnests of monofilament are dangerous to fish, fowl and mammals (ever get that stuff wound around you and try to get rid of it without a knife?), and the other stuff just looks ugly.

With all of the RoHS legislation and everyone in the electronics industry jumping through hoops to eliminate lead from their products, it's amazing that the sports industry appears exempt. Of course, the RoHS directive is EU.

Claes, jump in here and give us the European view on the distribution of lead into the environment via hunting and fishing.

Claes, jump in here and give us the European view on the distribution of lead into the environment via hunting and fishing.
Happy to oblige:) : I don't have a clue about fishing gear, but when it comes to ammo, I expect that we will soon go lead free.

/Claes

Great Post Icy Mountain,

Besides fishing line tangling and killing wildlife, it will also do a nasty job on your propellor shaft if it gets wrapped around there. Usually a sporting goods shop will accept used fishing line for recycling, so please if you need to dispose of monofilament, or any other kind of line, please recycle.

While I am on the subject of disposal, I was once stopped by the Coast Guard and had my safety equipment checked. They noted that my flares were about to expire and that I would need new ones. I asked what to do with expired flares and they had no answer. After thinking about it for a while, I decided that the flares were hazardous materials, so I contacted the Fire Department. They were more than happy to accept the expired flares and said they would be used in training burns. So please, whatever it is you need to dispose of, try to think of someway to get rid of it in a constructive manner.

Happy hunting and fishing,
Gary

I was in the Nashville, TN Bass Pro Shops store last weekend, and saw lots of lead-free options for fishing AND hunting. One thing I've not yet noticed (maybe not looking hard enough) is a lead-free solution for rimfire rifles and pistols. I like to occasionally plink away with a .22 caliber rifle, but have not seen any ammo that is lead-free. Anyone else?

The trip to BPS REALLY fired up my cabin fever, and I finally pulled my little fishing boat out Monday and started cleaning it up with the idea of fishing again. It's sat neglected for about 4 years. I oughta be shot (lead-free). Time to set priorities straight!

finally pulled my little fishing boat out Monday and started cleaning it up with the idea of fishing again. It's sat neglected for about 4 years. I oughta be shot (lead-free). Time to set priorities straight!


I know exactly how you feel Joe. Finally took a three day weekend and spent it out on the ice up north. Although the perch bite was not hot, they kept us busy. Couldn't buy a walleye though:nope:

The bass bite has turned on down here in Arizona, I took our production manager out this weekend and we boated over 50! :) I attached a picture, I hope it works.

Here is a good lead-free ammo. This is also made close to my home. www.sinterfire.com

mooser

Just a sampling of the bucks we killed in PA in 2005. The second week of Buck Camp. We also guided a elk hunt at camp in Nov 20054812

4813

is anyone else bothered by the fact this thread has 480 responses, far more than most quality related topics?

is anyone else bothered by the fact this thread has 480 responses, far more than most quality related topics?
Nope! Not one iota for me!
When Bill F. (energy) started this thread 22nd April 2003, this entire Forum was having some wild and wooly clashes and the thread has remained an oasis away from the cares and woes of the workaday world (with some odd digressions) where there is no contention but that noble contention of working and playing together.

As I look through the names of contributing posters, I have fond memories of some who no longer visit. For the most part, the items are timeless and valuable.

is anyone else bothered by the fact this thread has 480 responses, far more than most quality related topics?Nope... I'm quite comfortable with that. As Wes says, this is an old thread. It keeps resurfacing, but has also been dormant for long periods. It is also a thread that will never see a definitive answer, like questions asked in the more business oriented forums.

/Claes

I'd be worried if there was not a thread like this, maybe not about hunting (although from the number of my posts here you might guess that I kinda like the outdoor sports a little). As much stress as quality pros (and other professionals these days, it seems) face, most of us would self destruct if there was not some avenue to relax and refresh our minds. The fact that many of us share this interest gives us a common ground.

is anyone else bothered by the fact this thread has 480 responses, far more than most quality related topics?

No, I'm not. This is an old, long thread that comes and goes. At 480 responses, it is still FAR less than the number of responses in the quality related topics, even if the singular threads stay far below this one in response count . If there is anything "odd" about it, it is the fact that this thread is one of just a small number of threads on this topic that has just continued to stay "on track", whereas in the quality sections, numerous new threads are started on exactly the same subject, instead of the initial thread being brought up over and over again, like this one has, and continuing to grow in post count.

Back on topic :D , I pulled my little boat out and cleaned it up and took it to the shop this weekend. I hope to be fishing in it within a week or two, with a freshly tuned motor, new carpet and seats, and plenty of anticipation for the bite.

I wish I could learn to fish and hunt. I am 40 raised a city boy and see the necessity of learning how to fish, hunter and make ones own shelter, not just for pleasure but for the practical uses. Its too bad these life basics are not taught in the educational system.

OK, I'll throw in the towel. Obviously there are a lot of hunters and fishermen (and women) out there. We city boys might be outnumbered....besides, I don't think I want to make a guy with a gun upset with me...

my original comment was tongue-in-cheek...:)

OK, I'll throw in the towel. Obviously there are a lot of hunters and fishermen (and women) out there. We city boys might be outnumbered....besides, I don't think I want to make a guy with a gun upset with me...

my original comment was tongue-in-cheek...:)
your sentence for that omission [of knowledge of hunting and fishing] should be to clean, gut, and scale someone else's panfish catch for a whole day.;)

your sentence for that omission [of knowledge of hunting and fishing] should be to clean, gut, and scale someone else's panfish catch for a whole day.;)


I usually have someone who will clean mine for half of the catch (hint, hint).

Actually I lived much of my early years in the city and suburbs of Chicago. Between my Dad and Boy Scouts, though, there were LOTS of opportunities to get outdoors.

As far as fishing goes, I think most of us in the U.S. have opportunities to fish, if we just look around. That said, I would not want to have to eat the fish from the Chattahoochee River downstream from Atlanta. Catching them would still be fun, though.

If you live near a golf course, there are usually water hazards, right? My brother caught a 10+ pound largemouth bass off of the 15 teebox of our local course. So, it might be worth asking for permission.

OK, I'll throw in the towel. Obviously there are a lot of hunters and fishermen (and women) out there. Don't look at me... I'm far too soft hearted for hunting and fishing. At least until I get hungry...

Come to think of it: I did nail a deer in january, but that was (unfortunately) with my car. It cost a packet too, so insurance is a good thing.


/Claes

your sentence for that omission [of knowledge of hunting and fishing] should be to clean, gut, and scale someone else's panfish catch for a whole day.;)


Motion seconded :whip: :lol: :lol: :lol:

your sentence for that omission [of knowledge of hunting and fishing] should be to clean, gut, and scale someone else's panfish catch for a whole day.;)

Not very likely, but I'm very good at helping to assess the final product.

I tried fishing when I was 10, but it was not very effective...

I tried fishing when I was 10, but it was not very effective...

Ah, and there's your problem. Actually catching fish is secondary at best. Getting out and enjoying the fantastic creation we call the outdoors is what it is all about. And, if you can do it with friends and/or family, well that is about as close to heaven as we can get.

Just my opinion, of course.

Ah, and there's your problem. Actually catching fish is secondary at best. Getting out and enjoying the fantastic creation we call the outdoors is what it is all about. And, if you can do it with friends and/or family, well that is about as close to heaven as we can get.

Just my opinion, of course.


EUREKA! Finally someone has explained it to me, after all these years...

actually I do that, but on the bow of a cruise ship with a tropical drink in my hand. No worms, not even in my Tequila...

EUREKA! Finally someone has explained it to me, after all these years...

actually I do that, but on the bow of a cruise ship with a tropical drink in my hand. No worms, not even in my Tequila...

To each his own.

Catch and release can be fun! The forest preserve across the street from my subdivision is in the third year of creating a fishing and recreation lake from a gravel quarry (very clever deal - see note below) and we are still in "catch and release" mode to help sustain the fish population. I've seen a number of fly fishermen (and a few women) practising their skills in the past few warm days we had.


History
When the Lake County Forest Preserve purchased this land in 1978, an idea evolved that an old gravel quarry, 3,500 feet across and 75 feet deep, could be recycled and reclaimed. By the late 1980s, it was evident that something bigger could happen here. In the early 1990s, a community advisory committee helped brainstorm ideas and created a master plan that became the blueprint of what Independence Grove is today.

To create the lake, the quarry was mined of any remaining resources. Large pieces of equipment crushed the gravel, rock and concrete. Miles of conveyor belts throughout the bottom of the pit moved materials from one area to another. Mining royalties were put in a special fund to help pay for reclaiming the site for public use. Later, millions of cubic yards of clean fill were brought in to create about 60 acres of land. Since the walls of the old quarry were straight and steep, shelves were made along the edge to create a safer shoreline and wildlife habitat, and deter erosion. Thousands of trees and shrubs were planted.

One of the biggest challenges was creating a habitat for fish out of a sterile lake with no vegetation. Trees, fish cribs and concrete pipes were placed along the lake bottom before the water was allowed to rise.


The Natural Scene
Independence Grove welcomes many different kinds of visitors. During the spring, birds stop here to rest and feed during their long journey to nesting grounds as far north as the Arctic. Watch the trees along the Des Plaines River Greenway corridor for about 150 species of warblers.

The Preserve's rolling prairies, wide-open spaces, and woodlands offer the perfect environment for a variety of wildlife like owls, muskrats, beaver, mink, raccoon, possum or deer. Take a guided night hike with our naturalists and you might even spy an owl in the oak forest. We also encourage wildlife by creating habitats for them. Special underwater shelves around the lakeshore are designed for aquatic plants. Above and below the water's surface, these plants provide nesting sites, cover and food for all types of wildlife.

It doesn't get any better than this...tip-up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I catch my fish at the WalMart Supercenter in the Meat Department.

Less hassle and fewer skeeters.

I catch my fish at the WalMart Supercenter in the Meat Department.

Less hassle and fewer skeeters.speaking of skeeters - I got my blood donor card from the local squadron of our mosquitoes today - two more feedings and it will be a full quart! This seems like the earliest I've been attacked in a lot of years. Next, we'll have headlines about West Nile fever and birds will be dropping from the skies like a bad Hollywood horror movie from both West Nile and Asian Bird flu.

Bad as the mosquitoes are, they are a welcome diversion compared to black flies and deer flies which really hurt when they bite.

We just got news this weekend that almost ALL game fish in Illinois are so badly contaminated with mercury that pregnant women, children, and elderly (like me) should NOT eat them.

elderly (like me) .:applause:

Elderly is right! Along with portly too:lmao:

:topic: I'm scheduled to be in the Chicago area May 21-26 (EMS-LA course). I'll keep you up to date.

I'm no longer on the outside looking in. I took my boat to the shop and had it fixed up, and should be back on the water in another week or so.

Oh yeah....!