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OK. In true DEC fashion, the current sample size is fine. Close the poll, draw your conclusions and make your decisions...lol

I decided to post a few of my betters pics from my last card pulls... Bachelor party: Few singles: New buck on upper end of the farm:

No, you just danced around the answer. Again, buck age management is not biologically necessary, though it is inevitable because hunter satisfaction IS a necessity. Killing does is also a necessity, in some areas more than others. OBR removes the chance that someone will kill a small buck for meat, pass does and wait for Mr Big. Most likely, they will shoot a doe or two for meat along the way while waiting for Mr Big. Not everyone will, young bucks will still be taken, but Id be willing to bet the number drops pretty significantly over time. In areas that have a low population of deer, it helps to lessen the impact of additional bucks being taken. More does taken in areas that need it = positive. More bucks making it to maturity = more hunter satisfaction = positive. Hunters being able to choose what buck they care to shoot = positive. Less restrictive than Antler point or spread restrictions = positive. The only negative you can come up with is change is unnecessary. Sometimes I think youd rather things just stay the same because you just dont want to change. You sure like to gripe, but you rarely present any solutions to issues that satisfy anyone but yourself. You sit here and say the DEC's management sucks, but you piss and moan at every suggested change. Even the ones that have proven to work in other places. Which way do you want it? New, unfounded ideas, or proven ones? Change is inevitable.

Trying to get a poll set up...hopefully it works right.

which I think would change if we didn't have the burden of the city's 'thoughtfulness". The resources, talent pool and infrastructure without the hassle of transportation issues many areas have, would make it a good draw to business if the tax burden wasn't as high. Mandates are choking upstate.

I give up, Doc is right. He is always right. OBR is a fad, Kansas, Ohio, KY, IN, and others all have it wrong. Our NYS DEC are the benchmark in deer management - and if having a 23 day gun season in the rut, a bow season that was just reduced in parts of the state to antlerless only for 14 days, plus an entire MZ season antlerless only in the same areas, all without any biological evidence to prove it is prudent, along with a proven track record of being able to fluidly make adjustments to keep deer management as a resource and hunters as a group happy, then yeah, go for it. Oh and no incentive to open private lands up for hunting, might as well throw that in there. Let's just keep sticking our heads in the sand. It's gotten us really far to date, Doc.

Scatter-gun? They're used in a larger number of state management plans/teams - teams and plans that you would undoubtedly drop NYS's counterparts for like a hot potato to swap out. Talk about not having vision beyond one's backyard, Doc. I don't call having one of the longest rut-based gun seasons in the country and having supposed severe population issues almost right. I don't call a management team that says they respond to people's feedback, yet nobody knows of one who has gotten a response, almost right. I don't call not providing ANY numbers whatsoever as to what has to be killed and where - nor why - especially when lead articles state DMPs are getting slashed 15% statewide, almost right.

It's completely possible to hunt with only the shotgun and knife and be very successful. The boots are probably the most important one on your list there, don't skimp on them.

I'm pretty sure this applies only to publicly maintained roads, not ones you or a farmer maintain.

Is it your only stand? Is the food availability the same, was the buck chasing ,eating , just walking, land logged, sold, new hunter on neighboring properties, a lots of factors to think of the best spot may be 50 yards over, one lucky hunt does not a permanent stand location make imo.

My buddy ended up with 10 for the day in PA.

We'll see after my daughter goes out with me for the first-time - if she decides its not for her then that saves my wallet. Otherwise will need to gear her up for some cold and damp weather, and vest designed for a more feminine figure. Her goal is pheasants- she already helps to plunk them and loves to eat them.

Also had this awesome little droptine buck show up. I've seen him several times over the past few weeks in another nice bachelor group on a neighboring farm about a mile and a half away. I sure hope he sticks around and makes it through a few seasons. Based on his petite/leggy body frame he appears to be a yearling with giant potential!!!

Pulled trail cam card from cam in the driveway of my hunting camp. Oh Boy!

Had a good morning today with the 22 .... Managed to knock 4 down, and missed out on three opportunities to fill my limit ... Hell, one comes trottin up behind me n stops about four feet away , turned around n poof , he gone ... Taking the shotgun out tomorrow , tuff with all these leaves with the 22 ... Anyone else been out? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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WOLC123, I have taken up the crossbow because after having shoulder surgery I simply am unable to pull the weight of a bow any longer

Ease up db. I was laughing because WE FAR EXCEEDED what YOU have set as the standard and its impossible to know if even what you suggest is what DEC wants since DEC won't state it. I am no more content with these new ridiculous rules than you. As I explained on August 13: "Frankly, as Phade was suggesting earlier, DEC has created a system to its benefit that puts the BHs in a catch 22. Either BHs will kill and report more doe in the first two weeks allowing DEC to say "see our plan is working" and continuing it. Or, we don't kill and report more doe in the first 2 weeks allowing DEC to say "see BHs can't get it done" and we now need to go to more extreme measure by allowing guns or MLs in early season. No way for BHs to win under these circumstances. DEC has put themselves in a great position to do what they want in these "overpopulated" areas for the foreseeable future without risk of clear objective criticism. Couple that with undefined goals and DEC can justify whatever they choose with regard to altering bow seasons. Great political maneuvering but bad management if they want true results on reducing doe populations now."

I have no idea how this season is going to play out for me, personally, as far as days afield or desire/drive. What I do believe is that the DEC has positioned themselves perfectly to continue to mismanage our resource and hunter sentiment. The want us to get does to the desired levels. Yet, I haven't seen Doc or anyone else from the DEC state what that number needs to be or even what ballpark it needs to be in. It's brilliant. Now they can do whatever they want regardless of the action/results because we won't know how well we did compared to the "desired levels." Yet they state they won't deviate from their management plan. That's completely correct, and that's why the Vaseline is needed. We won't and can't know any different.

So the wife and I went down to the Florida Keys last week for our first anniversary. Not sure if you were aware, but there is a sub species of weight tailed deer that live down there called "Key Deer". I thought I would share some pictures of a nice buck that we saw while we were down there. And yes, that is a normal sized sign next to it. They are the smallest sub species of deer. I have some better pics on the actual camera, but the phone ones were easier to upload. You can't hunt them, but I'm thinking about going down and trying to find some sheds from this boy. Would make nice compact rattling antlers. ????

Yeah, damn these deer and their penchant for walking where ever they feel like it.

Ohio: Short gun season.

I bought 2 new tree stands this year thinking that would solve my strategic needs. Now it seems I need two more.

fwiw, that city generates a lot more money than the rest of the state combined. Their lifestyle isn't for me and their way of thinking generally doesn't mesh with the rest of the states. But it's the only part of the state where the population isn't shrinking.

That is just awesome!

Recreational Liability When No Fee Is Charged Liability is a concern that all landowners face in arriving at a policy about recreational use of their property by others. What if a hunter, hiker, or another recreationist is injured on your property? Are you liable? The New York State Legislature was among the first in the nation to realize how much people depend upon the use of private property for outdoor recreation. To encourage landowners to keep their lands open to recreationists, legislation was passed in 1956 that limited the liability of landowners who allowed hunting, fishing, trapping, and training of dogs on their property when no fee is charged and the landowner receives no other consideration from the recreationist. In the succeeding years, numerous other recreation activities have been added to this list in General Obligations Law (GOL) 9-103: canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, bicycle riding, motorized vehicle operation for recreational purposes, snowmobile operation, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, sledding, hang gliding, speleological activities, boating, and the cutting or gathering of wood for noncommercial purposes. GOL 9-103 does not totally exclude the liability of landowners toward recreationists. Assuming no fee is charged, the statute states that the landowner owes no duty to keep the premises safe for entry or use by recreationists pursuing the listed activities, or to give warning of any hazardous condition, use of property, structure, or activity on the property to persons entering for recreation. It also states that farm owners or lessees have no duty to keep their farms safe for use by recreationists or to give warning of hazardous conditions or uses of the property. However, landowners are not protected if they intentionally harm a recreationist, or if they "willfully" or "maliciously" fail to guard against, or warn recreationists of, a danger on the property. Question: Can I be sued for natural situations or hazards, such as if a hunter trips over a rock or falls down a steep slope and is injured? Opinion: Anyone can be sued, but to be successfully sued if GOL 9-103 applies, the recreationist must prove that you (1) knew of a dangerous condition on your property, (2) realized the possibility of the recreationist encountering it, and (3) willfully or maliciously failed to eliminate or reduce the hazard or to warn the recreationist of it; and (4) he or she must show proof of actual loss or damage. Generally, previous courts have ruled that landowners have no duty to warn about naturally occurring, readily observable natural situations such as lakes, streams, or steep slopes. Question: Suppose there is a hazard on my property, such as an abandoned well or a fallen-in barn, that a recreationist might encounter. How can I protect myself against someone getting hurt and suing me? Opinion: 1. Do all you can to eliminate the hazard. Have the well filled in or the building torn down. the full text can be read here .. http://www2.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/info/pubs/LegalFinancial/liability_boundary_posting.htm

Done !

Thank you for sharing this experience with us! Very nicely done all around.

A good deal on some bulk 22LR ammo is still on my shopping list.

Just remember to apply for your hunting permit early if you plan to hunt deer opening weekend there. No guns until after Nov. 1 in Sterling. When you get your Sterling Forest permit, they provide a map of the allowed hunting areas and restricted areas (either no-hunting, or archery-only areas). I recommend purchasing a trail map - it provides more info on the terrain (elevations, streams, swamps, etc) and shows the trails, roads, and parking areas (including the seasonal parking areas as in deer season and Spring Turkey). Every year, there are a few bears taken during Deer gun season, saw one opening morning not far from where I had spotted a 6-pointer while pre-scouting last year. Since the bear went through - no deer came through that spot Depending on where you go there, you may see hikers and dogs off-leash, so be aware. Same day I saw the bear and I was heading out for lunch, I had to pause a watch the trail as something tall and black-looking was upright by a tree - turned out to be a hiker in a navy blue coat and black knit hat. A week later saw someone let yellow labs off-leash during deer season (never-mind the 6-ft leash required at all times law that is posted). We may cross paths there some time. Good luck.

I MIGHT have one...might is operative. I can check at some point this weekend.

A one buck rule would have little impact on the amount of bucks taken because most hunters don't kill two and most kill none... it may allow for more does to be killed for those that get a buck early. I fail to see the advantage for NY at this stage of the game. If circumstances were different in NY it might be a viable conservation technique. But, it won't solve any current problems with deer populations or enhance conservation efforts based on what's going on now in NY. The DEC telling hunters what the problem IS, and explaining what the plan IS would be a far better short term solution than any 1 buck rule. Then, of course, hunters must actually getting on board with that plan.

He's in what has been traditionally one of the best buck/deer counties in the state....it is rich farm country with lots of good cover ....

Opening Day in Pennsylvania today. Last week while thinking about the soon opening day in PA is what spawned this thread. A buddy is down there right now, roasting his butt off!! 3 doves in the bag, so far with better than 100 on the wires when he got there around noon time....... I've seen so many dove up in Niagara County lately, hopefully soon we can hunt them here in NYS.

"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." Mark Twain Ha-ha-ha ..... Culver beat me to it.

"better to be thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt"

she should have kept going in the first video. I enjoy my me team. I'm a solo hunter. Only person I'd hunt with would be my dad or sons.

I did that.. .now every hunt cost me double.. LOL... She's hooked for sure.... Here's her mounts from our trip to Africa last year..

You are in a county that has it figured out.... Great pics.. Great bucks.. thanks for sharing...

That is a group of nice bucks!! Nope no shooter bucks in this state!!!

Awesome deer, he looks like a 4 year old if that's the same buck in both pics. Hope you get him.

I will believe that when I see it. That little group of dedicated, "elitist" bowhunters is still fighting to keep them out and not showing that they are ready to "roll-over" yet. Time will eventually catch up to them though, and then they will want to pick up a crossbow and extend their own archery hunting years a bit. I don't hate those hunters, I love them just like all the rest. I just hate their action of trying to keep such an effective weapon out of our hands in archery season. There is nothing cool about discriminating against the elderly, women, children, and the disabled.

I think that would be great. Shoot one buck and that's it, just let the hunter choose the buck. Everybody wins.

Actually I believe you can replace them at a small fee

As far as I know, you can use up to 1.5 oz of liquid attractant for bears in NY.

http://www.nyantler-outdoors.com/monster-bucks.html

I agree, awesome thread ! Looking forward to more of these. Great job, Robin on the pictures. Almost like bringing us with you! Could almost smell the spam and coffee! Thanks for sharing!

Here's a few more from NW Ontario we put in about an hour 1/2 NW of Nakina, Ontario via a logging road and 1 mile portage ran down some rivers and lakes 6 of us for 6 days then I stayed 4 more solo, here's the wolf at a distance saw another real close on a river the next day My canoe on the left, and a stripper built on the right. Mines a Chestnut Chum, 15'x 30", makes a great little solo canoe My camp for 4 days solo on Marshall Lake, Ontario My canoe in front of solo campsite Cooking Klick (Canadian spam) with home fries in a cold handle stove with a pot of bush coffee too Long beach, only 2 cabins on this 8 mile lake, one is an outfitter's and the other is owned by a first nation couple, My co-trippers on a river, Two canoes, two fish on. It was easy to catch walleyes at the bottom of most portages, no canoes had been through here this year from what we could tell. We carried a chain saw to open some of the portages of blow downs, setting up camp for the night,

Just came back from my walk, found some More nuts and Berry's in the road