Last night I had the opportunity to go out hunting with my crossbow, before the weather turned cold. I can't believe how warm it has been, it is November after all.
At about 4 PM the farmer next door to my ground blind decided it was time to cut his field with his John Deer backhoe. He was approximately 150 yards from my blind and I thought I would not see a single deer. He finally finished at about 4:40 PM , prime time for the deer to start moving.
10 minutes later I seen the first buck, he was directly in front of me at about 90 yards. He had his head down and was definitely following a trail of a hot doe. He never looked up or paid any attention to me . Unfortunately, he came in to 65 yards then went to my left and up the hill, something I have not seen this year .
At 5:15 PM the second buck came in identical to the first . He did the exact same thing. So much for pattering behavior, the rut is on in Pa and all bets are off.
Darkness fell and those were the only two deer I seen. The three Doe who usually make their trek through were no where to be found
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Boot follow-Up
If you remember I purchased new boots last week and wanted to do a follow-up review.
I started off wearing the boots for one hour, then I had my feet inspected for any redness, blisters etc.
My feet looked no worse for wear, so I increased the time to a few hours. We did see some redness on my ankle, but it should be fine.
Looking at the temperatures in Missouri I will need good boots. The temperatures range from the low 30s to a high of mid-50s so the insulated boots should protect my feet from the cold rather well.
I'm also taking along insulated boot covers just in case the temperatures drop drastically. Footwear has to be taken seriously when dealing with paralysis or diabetes. A sore can quickly develop and turn serious in a few hours, ending a once in a lifetime hunt.
I started off wearing the boots for one hour, then I had my feet inspected for any redness, blisters etc.
My feet looked no worse for wear, so I increased the time to a few hours. We did see some redness on my ankle, but it should be fine.
Looking at the temperatures in Missouri I will need good boots. The temperatures range from the low 30s to a high of mid-50s so the insulated boots should protect my feet from the cold rather well.
I'm also taking along insulated boot covers just in case the temperatures drop drastically. Footwear has to be taken seriously when dealing with paralysis or diabetes. A sore can quickly develop and turn serious in a few hours, ending a once in a lifetime hunt.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
HUNTERS HARVEST 53 ELK IN Pa 2011
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that 53 of the 57 licensed elk hunters were successful during the 2011 elk seasons. Of that total, 19 were antlered elk and 34 were antlerless elk.
“Elk are one of North America’s premier big game animals,” Roe said. “Pennsylvania is privileged to offer this unique hunting opportunity, a product of successful wildlife management that supports Pennsylvania’s rich hunting heritage. It’s an unparalleled experience for hunters, without all the travel and expense of a one- or two-week guided elk hunt out West.”
The heaviest antlered elk was taken by William G. Zee, of Doylestown, Bucks County. He took a 930-pound (estimated live weight), 9x8 on Nov. 1, in Goshen Township, Clearfield County. It’s unofficial Boone & Crockett green score was 426 and five-eighths inches. If this score holds up after the required 60-day drying time, it would be ranked second on Pennsylvania’s Big Game Records for non-typical elk.
Other high-scoring antlered elk (all estimated live weights) were: Jesse M. Heiple, of Somerset, Somerset County, took a 772-pound, 8x7 on Nov. 1, in Jay Township, Elk County, which green-scored at 399 and three-eighths inches; Ken Kastely, of Carroll, Ohio, took a 780-pound, 9x9 on Nov. 1, in Covington Township, Clearfield County, which green-scored at 386 and five-eighths inches; and Calvin E. Wallace, of Kylertown, Clearfield County, took a 711-pound, 6x7 on Oct. 31, in Jay Township, Elk County.
The heaviest antlerless elk was taken by Garry L. Foreman, of Hershey, Dauphin County, who harvested a 601-pound (estimated live weight) antlerless elk on Nov. 5, in Jay Township, Elk County.
Those hunters rounding out the top five heaviest (all estimated live weights) antlerless elk harvested were: Daniel W. Saulter, of Coudersport, Potter County, who took a 594-pound antlerless elk on Nov. 3, in Jay Township, Elk County; Gregory Collins, of Clearfield, Clearfield County, who took a 579-pound antlerless elk on Nov. 2, in Goshen Township, Clearfield County; David Grata, of Johnstown, Cambria County, who took a 546-pound antlerless elk on Nov. 1, in Goshen Township, Clearfield County; and Joshua Brubaker, of Edinboro, Erie County, who took a 517-pound antlerless elk on Oct. 31, in Benezette Township, Elk County.
Agency biologists extracted samples needed for chronic wasting disease testing. Results are expected in early 2012.
Roe also noted that Michael McGinnis, of Lyndhurst, Virginia, who was the successful bidder for the Elk Conservation Tag, harvested an antlered elk. McGinnis harvested a 7x9 on Oct. 19, in Jay Township, in Elk County. McGinnis purchased the Conservation Elk Tag during the Safari Club International’s national conference in early 2011, and was able to hunt from Sept. 1-Nov. 5.
Under the state law that created the Elk Conservation Tag, of the $29,000 that McGinnis bid for the tag, $23,200 will go to the Game Commission’s Game Fund and $5,800 will be retained by Safari Club International.
For more information on elk in Pennsylvania, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor over “HUNT/TRAP” in the menu bar in the banner, choose “Hunting,” and then click on “Elk” in the listing under “Big Game.”
“Elk are one of North America’s premier big game animals,” Roe said. “Pennsylvania is privileged to offer this unique hunting opportunity, a product of successful wildlife management that supports Pennsylvania’s rich hunting heritage. It’s an unparalleled experience for hunters, without all the travel and expense of a one- or two-week guided elk hunt out West.”
The heaviest antlered elk was taken by William G. Zee, of Doylestown, Bucks County. He took a 930-pound (estimated live weight), 9x8 on Nov. 1, in Goshen Township, Clearfield County. It’s unofficial Boone & Crockett green score was 426 and five-eighths inches. If this score holds up after the required 60-day drying time, it would be ranked second on Pennsylvania’s Big Game Records for non-typical elk.
Other high-scoring antlered elk (all estimated live weights) were: Jesse M. Heiple, of Somerset, Somerset County, took a 772-pound, 8x7 on Nov. 1, in Jay Township, Elk County, which green-scored at 399 and three-eighths inches; Ken Kastely, of Carroll, Ohio, took a 780-pound, 9x9 on Nov. 1, in Covington Township, Clearfield County, which green-scored at 386 and five-eighths inches; and Calvin E. Wallace, of Kylertown, Clearfield County, took a 711-pound, 6x7 on Oct. 31, in Jay Township, Elk County.
The heaviest antlerless elk was taken by Garry L. Foreman, of Hershey, Dauphin County, who harvested a 601-pound (estimated live weight) antlerless elk on Nov. 5, in Jay Township, Elk County.
Those hunters rounding out the top five heaviest (all estimated live weights) antlerless elk harvested were: Daniel W. Saulter, of Coudersport, Potter County, who took a 594-pound antlerless elk on Nov. 3, in Jay Township, Elk County; Gregory Collins, of Clearfield, Clearfield County, who took a 579-pound antlerless elk on Nov. 2, in Goshen Township, Clearfield County; David Grata, of Johnstown, Cambria County, who took a 546-pound antlerless elk on Nov. 1, in Goshen Township, Clearfield County; and Joshua Brubaker, of Edinboro, Erie County, who took a 517-pound antlerless elk on Oct. 31, in Benezette Township, Elk County.
Agency biologists extracted samples needed for chronic wasting disease testing. Results are expected in early 2012.
Roe also noted that Michael McGinnis, of Lyndhurst, Virginia, who was the successful bidder for the Elk Conservation Tag, harvested an antlered elk. McGinnis harvested a 7x9 on Oct. 19, in Jay Township, in Elk County. McGinnis purchased the Conservation Elk Tag during the Safari Club International’s national conference in early 2011, and was able to hunt from Sept. 1-Nov. 5.
Under the state law that created the Elk Conservation Tag, of the $29,000 that McGinnis bid for the tag, $23,200 will go to the Game Commission’s Game Fund and $5,800 will be retained by Safari Club International.
For more information on elk in Pennsylvania, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor over “HUNT/TRAP” in the menu bar in the banner, choose “Hunting,” and then click on “Elk” in the listing under “Big Game.”
Monday, November 7, 2011
Sip N Puff Trigger
Saturday afternoon I went shooting with Hayes and Gus from the Western Pennsylvania wounded warrior group . It was a beautiful afternoon, not a cloud in the sky and we were able to sight in my semi automatic Remington .270 using a sip and puff trigger.
I wish I could say I shot extremely well like the old days. But the truth is, my grouping was less than spectacular. Oh well, the rifle is sighted in and I should be good to go for the Missouri deer hunt.
I wish I could say I shot extremely well like the old days. But the truth is, my grouping was less than spectacular. Oh well, the rifle is sighted in and I should be good to go for the Missouri deer hunt.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Miss November
Two nights ago I was out hunting and seen two beautiful six-point Bucks. They were checking a scrape line and passed 30 yards to my left without realizing I was even there.
So last night I had the idea to use a deer decoy ( Miss November ) and also put out some deer in heat lure. To persuade the six points to walk in front of me or possibly the large eight point I had seen previously.
At 5:50 PM a mature Doe and two yearlings came over the hill again to my left , at 50 yards . They took one look at Miss November and stopped in their tracks. They wanted absolutely nothing to do with this decoy and walked behind me.
I'm not sure if the decoy would have the same effect on Bucks, but I'm not going to use it again just in case. What are your experiences with using deer decoys ? Do Bucks react better than Doe?
Thursday, November 3, 2011
PA Game Commission on Facebook and Twitter
I think it's great that the game commission is using the Internet to the best of its ability, it certainly makes it easier for people with disabilities to obtain information quickly and easily.
HARRISBURG – Recognizing the benefit of new communications tools available to reach a broader audience, the Pennsylvania Game Commission today joined social media in a big way by unveiling a Facebook page, as well as destinations on Twitter and YouTube. The Game Commission’s Facebook page is at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaGameCommission, and the Twitter account is www.twitter.com/PAGameComm or @PAGameComm.
The agency has posted videos on YouTube, which can be accessed directly at www.youtube.com/pagamecommission. Most of the Game Commission video postings on YouTube are in high-definition, and nearly all of those are broadcast-quality for use by television news stations.
HARRISBURG – Recognizing the benefit of new communications tools available to reach a broader audience, the Pennsylvania Game Commission today joined social media in a big way by unveiling a Facebook page, as well as destinations on Twitter and YouTube. The Game Commission’s Facebook page is at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaGameCommission, and the Twitter account is www.twitter.com/PAGameComm or @PAGameComm.
The agency has posted videos on YouTube, which can be accessed directly at www.youtube.com/pagamecommission. Most of the Game Commission video postings on YouTube are in high-definition, and nearly all of those are broadcast-quality for use by television news stations.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
GAME COMMISSION PARTICIPATES IN USMC ‘TOYS FOR TOTS’ PROGRAM
HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that the agency is again participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves’ “Toys for Tots” program by opening the doors of the Game Commission’s Harrisburg headquarters to serve as a drop-off collection site.
The Game Commission’s office is at 2001 Elmerton Avenue in Susquehanna Township, just off of Progress Avenue. (For those using mapping devices, the mailing address is Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.) Donations will be accepted until noon on Friday, Dec. 9, at which time all items will be taken to the USMC’s central collection facility for distribution to area children.
“During the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s more than 100 years, we have been honored to have many men and women who served in the United States armed forces, including the U.S. Marine Corps, as part of our workforce,” Roe said. “It is in their honor that we serve as a collection site for the Toys for Tots program.
“We recognize it is important to share with those in need. And, much like our hunters support programs to help feed their fellow Pennsylvanians through the Hunters Sharing the Harvest, we want to support a program that has been around for 60 years to make sure that disadvantaged children are not forgotten at Christmas time.”
Roe encouraged hunters who visit the agency’s headquarters to purchase their licenses prior to the bear and deer seasons, or employees in office complexes along Elmerton Avenue, to consider bringing a toy to donate to deserving children.
In addition to serving as a collection point for the program, for the fifth year, Roe announced that the agency was donating stuff black bears to the Toys for Tots program.
“Each of these 30 stuffed animals has a small tag with a bit of information about our black bears,” Roe said. “The black bear is just one of the 467 species of wild mammals and birds that the Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for managing. We hope that these stuffed animals will provide those who receive them some joy this season, as well as help them learn about this important part of Pennsylvania’s wildlife community.”
The Game Commission’s office is at 2001 Elmerton Avenue in Susquehanna Township, just off of Progress Avenue. (For those using mapping devices, the mailing address is Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.) Donations will be accepted until noon on Friday, Dec. 9, at which time all items will be taken to the USMC’s central collection facility for distribution to area children.
“During the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s more than 100 years, we have been honored to have many men and women who served in the United States armed forces, including the U.S. Marine Corps, as part of our workforce,” Roe said. “It is in their honor that we serve as a collection site for the Toys for Tots program.
“We recognize it is important to share with those in need. And, much like our hunters support programs to help feed their fellow Pennsylvanians through the Hunters Sharing the Harvest, we want to support a program that has been around for 60 years to make sure that disadvantaged children are not forgotten at Christmas time.”
Roe encouraged hunters who visit the agency’s headquarters to purchase their licenses prior to the bear and deer seasons, or employees in office complexes along Elmerton Avenue, to consider bringing a toy to donate to deserving children.
In addition to serving as a collection point for the program, for the fifth year, Roe announced that the agency was donating stuff black bears to the Toys for Tots program.
“Each of these 30 stuffed animals has a small tag with a bit of information about our black bears,” Roe said. “The black bear is just one of the 467 species of wild mammals and birds that the Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for managing. We hope that these stuffed animals will provide those who receive them some joy this season, as well as help them learn about this important part of Pennsylvania’s wildlife community.”
Monday, October 31, 2011
Space Blanket
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Saturday, October 29, 2011
Boots for Quads
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I have to be very careful with my footwear , I cannot feel from the chest down and I can easily receive a blister or sore very quickly from any type of footwear. I normally wear tennis shoes but this winter I am going to try this hunting boot from cabelas.
It contains 400 grams of thinsulate and is waterproof, hopefully it does not mark or cause a sore to develop on my foot. The price is certainly right at $59.99, if it works out.
Stay tuned for a shoe review from a man who cannot feel his feet, this should be interesting .... Like a priest being a marriage counselor
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