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Showing content with the highest reputation on 05/02/16 in all areas
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Given the forecast for rain my buddy and I decided to go after some field birds and take the blind, figuring we could at least stay dry if nothing else. We had some distant gobbling early and then after a while some hen talk from the treeline at the edge of the field. It was after 6:00 when the nearby gobblers finally joined in. They flew down and went silent for a little while and then two birds started gobbling from near the field edge. We had thick fog and couldn't see more than about 70 yards but they hammered back at a short series of yelps and clucks. We could tell from the gobbling that they were working closer and when the fog finally thinned a bit we could see them at about 120 yards. At that point we could see it was just the two gobblers on their own and they locked on to the decoys and started making a deliberate approach. I put the binoculars on them when they reached the decoys and could see it was another pair of two-year old birds. Tim let one of them have it and we let the other one go. I finished my season in the first two days last year and didn't really want to do that again. I'll go back on a nicer day and get after them in the woods, and with a bit of luck I'll get on one of the older birds that we've seen there. It's been a good start to the season though with three birds in two days, and now Tim has his NY tags filled and can try to add a couple more in PA. I'm looking forward to getting back out, and hoping that the sun actually makes an appearance sometime this month. 16lbs, 1/2" spurs, 8 1/2" beard (and looking like a drowned rat) The two lines running diagonally through the photo are the tracks left by the gobblers as they knocked the dew off the grass on their way through the field.11 points
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A little rain and wind wasn't going to ruin my opening day. Bird pitched down and came right to some soft yelps. 10" Beard and 7/8" spurs.10 points
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Sitting around yesterday complaining about the rain, a friend advised me to come over to his place to shoot a bird. Got there before dawn (and before the rain) and could hear about 6 different gobblers in the area, on both sides of the road that divides his property. He told me to set up in a row of trees where he had some farm equipment stored. I set up facing the north field, but two Toms and some hens flew into the big south field behind me. They were cavorting, with the two Toms in full strut out there, for about 1/2 hour, ignoring the couple of calls I made. When they were all behind a rise in the field, I turned to face them with my back against a big tree. One of the hens came my way and passed 50 yards to my left. One of the Toms soon followed and looked right at me as he moved to my left about 50 yards out too. The second Tom's head and neck crested the rise in the field at 40 yards and was looking at me as I lined the shotgun up on him. I pulled the trigger and he dropped. He weighs 19 pounds, has a 7 inch beard and 3/4" spurs. Not my biggest bird, but a nice one. There are bigger birds there and I'll be holding out for the biggest one as I go for a second one soon. I tagged the bird and got in my truck to leave just as it started to rain. It was 7:30 AM. A short, but memorable turkey hunt.10 points
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I put a couple birds to bed last night and then met up with my buddy Tim who drove up from PA. We got right in under them this morning and they gobbled a little from the roost before heading right to us once they hit the ground. Had both birds down at 6:50 this morning and managed to get out before the rain started.7 points
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6:14 a.m. May 1st. Beard 9 1/8 in. ,weight 20#'s, Spurs 7/8in.. Called in with natural voice over a Jake with sitting hen and 2 feeder hens...He left his 6 hens and came in on a dead run in the pouring rain with 15 mph winds. 26 yrd shot.6 points
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5:50am, 3in beard, 14lbs, spurs are just nubs. not exactly a trophy but a really fun morning, plus I've come up empty the past 2 seasons so I didn't hesitate to take this opportunity. came in real slow to my full strut deke with another jake. didn't give him the chance to get spooked by it so I dropped him at 25 yards. Winchester long beard xr through a Mossberg 500 got it done.5 points
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http://www.sportsmensalliance.org/news/reframing-trophy-hunting/ Reframing Trophy Hunting Posted on February 15, 2016 Hijacked by anti-hunters, the term ‘trophy hunting’ has taken on a negative connotation in society – it’s time to take it back. Here’s a start to reframing the trophy-hunting discussion with non-hunters. Defining a Trophy When news anchors and the general public throw the term ‘trophy hunting’ around, they’re usually speaking in a very broad sense that assaults their emotions and is an affront to almost everything that modern, regulated hunters and hunting represents. The term is a misnomer, but they don’t even realize it. A trophy is a very personal thing. For some just killing an animal to eat is reward enough. For others, a mature animal that is more wary is the goal. Still, for others, a very specific animal, or at least one meeting very high standards, is the ultimate goal. This is all dependent upon the person, their skill level and experience in hunting (see infographic: “Evolution of a Hunter”), as well as understanding of the species they’re targeting. A trophy is a crowning achievement for an individual. Period. What it’s not The popular myth of trophy hunting is that it’s simply hubristic killing by hunters for display upon a wall – which is only done for a head, hide or horns. The underlying belief is that the rest of the animal is left where it died and goes to waste. This is the perception anti-hunters have created, and which they are framing hunters every chance they get. From “Cecil” the lion in Zimbabwe, Africa, to the proposed black-bear hunt under protest in Florida, anti-hunting activists and organizations cry ‘trophy hunt’ to convey what they believe is the senseless killing of animals – without regard to the associated science, management and ecosystem-wide benefits. It’s an effective tactic that resonates with the public quickly. Those two words immediately generate an affront to the public’s sensibilities, and creates another hurdle we have to overcome to maintain scientific, and not emotional, management of our flora and fauna. What it is The fact is, what animal-rights’ activists portray is not just an affront to the public’s sensibilities, the waste of an animal is a disgrace to the sensibilities of a hunter as well. When it comes to a ‘trophy hunt,’ two points often overlooked by outraged activists, the media and the public include: A hunting season is not state-sanctioned slaughter. Every state has wanton waste laws that mandate the harvest and use of meat, hides or other body parts to ensure that the animal is not just wasted, and that the number of individuals taken is in accord with the supporting habitat and predator-prey balance of the area. A ‘trophy’ animal and its use as table fare are not mutually exclusive. An animal can be a specimen worthy of both taxidermy and the table. A trophy hunter is simply someone who has placed self-imposed restrictions upon themselves that go above and beyond what’s dictated by the state. They are more selective, and will pass on younger animals, often those barely reaching the minimum standard, in a deeply personal pursuit to further challenge their skills and learn as much as possible about the prey they pursue. The irony of animal-rights activists crying ‘trophy hunt’ is that the true definition of a trophy hunter wholly undermines their most egregious complaints about hunting. The self-imposed standards of a trophy hunter often result in the hunter not killing an animal at all, and when one is killed, it is not an ‘unsuspecting’ animal – it is an animal that knows how to survive and that danger lurks at every turn. What it doesn’t do Contrary to animal-rights’ claims, the killing of a trophy animal doesn’t damage the overall population of species by removing important genes from the genetic pool or by throwing the remaining animals into a state of societal chaos. A trophy animal is usually a very mature animal. That’s what makes it so difficult to kill, and what usually results in more impressive antlers or horns, spurs and beards, or other defining trophy qualities. As such, it has reproduced many times over, likely with many different mates, for several seasons, ensuring genetic diversity throughout the population and passing along the quality genes that enhanced its chances of survival and reproduction. Additionally, the loss of a mature animal is expected in nature, and it is quickly replaced within the immediate, as well as overarching, societal hierarchy. Trophy hunting does not damage the overall health of the population. Period. What it does Trophy hunting is the most restrictive, demanding type of hunting. As such, it not only doesn’t harm the overall population, it is wholly within the parameters of a scientifically managed hunt. A trophy hunter will remove a mature animal from the population. That population has been surveyed, and scientifically determined to be able to withstand the loss of a certain percentage of both male and female animals that will result in no net harm to the overall health of the population. Additionally, the removal of the animal opens habitat and resources, such as food and cover, to others within the population. Bottom line At the end of the day, a trophy hunt is a deeply personal endeavor that is in accordance with the individual hunter’s goals, skill and experience level, and knowledge of the animal, its habitat and behavior. It is not a quest simply for a head or horns, but is a severely restrictive, scientifically managed hunt for a mature animal that has served its biological purpose, and one that uses the meat, hide and other attributes of the animal to the fullest, and which supports the ecological health of the overall population into the future. This is the message we must pass to the general, non-hunting public, regardless of whether it’s an old, well-known lion killed in Africa or a record-book whitetail buck in the states. This story first appeared in the October 2015 issue of Sportsmen’s Monthly. To receive your own print or digital copy of Sportsmen’s Monthly, please consider joining Sportsmen’s Alliance today.4 points
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4 points
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Afraid? Man you have issues. I simply asked how you knew and you were the one with the sarcastic response. "Any more questions". Then you get a case of burned a$$ because someone engaged you based on a comment you made on a PUBLIC forum and say to stay out of YOUR conversation. Now you asking if I was threatening you?4 points
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My hunting buddy called tonight to ask if I'd be interested in tracking again. He has a line on a good bloodline wirehaired dachshund. Her name is Xena and she is 9 months old. Both our tracking dogs died a few years ago after long lives doing what they loved to do. So we got away from blood tracking. Not sure if we will be under the Deersearch banner this time around. But will be independent and track for local hunters. Guess I better start getting in shape.3 points
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Happens all the time unfortunately BP. Sad that the desire to kill a gobbler at all costs, over rides a persons respect for another hunter.3 points
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I agree, lot's have gone out. But it's just me personally, don't like getting soaked. I enjoy my time in the woods and being dry just suits me better. Not knocking anyone who hunts in the rain, all the power to them.3 points
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Sorry to hear that. Same thing happened to me in Jan. Only took about 6 weeks to get into a new job, with better pay, and right here near home. Couple things to think about to help the search that helped me quite a bit 1. Get a linkedIn profile going, and start building connections. I had a few companies comment about using that to get a feel of who I was before contacting me. Plus recruiters love searching for people there. Make sure your description says something like "I am now in a position to bring my talents and skills to a new organization" so they know your looking 2. Look for recruiters in your field and reach out to them. Keep in mind ~ 2/3 of jobs NEVER get posted publicly. These recruiter are great for getting you connected to jobs you would never see otherwise. Also remember, the EMPLOYER pays them to find you, never pay them a penny yourself. 3. Get your resume professionally done, or at least reviewed. You probably think you have it set, and it's really good already ( I did too) but if it looks like everyone else, or looks dated, or formatted poorly, you will not get the attention you need when employers see it. Bonus tip - look up real voice resumes and Pain letters. They actually do make a difference. 4. You've probably done this already ( usually step 1 for most people) but get on the job boards and post your resume. Career builder, Monster, Indeed, The Ladders, Zip Recruiter, Glass door, and all the rest. If people can't find your resume, they will never call you! Don't forget individual company web sites too. Many will post on their own site for weeks before posting on job boards, which usually means a bit less competition. For privacy sake, I made a new email address just for job searching, keeps thing better organized Good luck, and hope these couple things give you a little help in finding the next better job. The last wave of layoffs at my company took ~ 6000, following the 4000 from last year. Those of us who landed better off than before we were let go, all followed ~ the same steps I outlined here. And then there's the interview.... Cheers3 points
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2 points
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that's just BS propaganda. I don't like him. I don't have to like him to vote for him though. I'm not voting for a friend I'm voting for a President. He'd be a better option than Clinton. His ego alone would have him put the very best in his cabinet/administration and have little reason not to fire them if they didn't do a good job. The only way Hillary would tell anyone the truth is if she tells you something different, as a compulsive lie, in regards to something she previously said, that she forgot was originally a lie.2 points
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Finally finished my first euro mount, of my 2015 rifle buck. I'm very happy with the results. The board used, came from the old homestead on the farm property. Where he was shot. It was built in 1814. The dried grass was given to me from my friends wife, who lives on the farm and cut it from the property. And the two 7mm-08 casings came from my gun. The one on the deers right is the one that fired the bullet that killed him. I wanted to use things for the mount, that connected to where the buck lived and died. I think I've done that. And showed him the respect he deserves.2 points
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No eyes Paula but one of the crazy relatives ate the brain. ???? Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S22 points
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...oh, and remember. Don't grab them by the legs until they are stone dead. That's my blood, not his. Rookie mistake.ember. Don't grab them by the legs until they are stone dead. That's my blood, not his. Rookie mistake. Congrats and you're 100% right. I have made that rookie mistake a couple times well out of my rookie season. One time the tom tore a section of my sleeve right near my wrist. The last time was about4 years ago. It was a real nice tom, flapping around after I shot it. The flapping seemed to calm down a bit so I grabbed his legs. Well he wasn't quite done. He ended up getting his spur stuck /tangled in my glove and it was on……Oh it was a scene. Fortunately no blood….none of mine anyway, but I was flopping as much as the tom.2 points
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2 points
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What i can say is that Trump will give us Americans back that lowlife politics has taken from us for years and years. he is all for the 2nd. he wants up to protect ourselves. He wants our pistol permits to be just like drivers permits and be accepted in every state. Trump cant be bought like some many others. he will have a very good team of smart people behind him getting us back to the free country we used to be!2 points
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Had a successful hunt this morning! Thankfully, we each had a blind to sit in in two different fields. Around 6:10 I saw 5 birds in front of my friends blind, so I turned around to watch the action unfold. After 10 minutes it looked like his birds were moving off, so I turned around to watch my own field. There 2 turkeys there! I put the binoculars up and saw one was a hen, the other a Jake. Both were moving in my direction. 30 seconds later a third bird -TOM - comes walking up too. I waited until they were in range and just as there were, both male birds were standing inches apart. I had to wait until they separated or risk shooting both of them at the same time. The Tom moved closer and I let one fly. MISS! He took off and was in the air within seconds. Young Jake stood around, so I pumped in another shell and knocked him down. Just after my fist shot, my friend in the other blind shot at a Tom, as those birds moved closer to his blind while I was working mine. He had a clean miss, so we will both be out looking to score again as soon as possible. It was a fun day in the rain!2 points
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last minute bird. We had a great hunt, my buddy missed and I was able to get him with a follow-up shot. There were two Toms with hens this one broke off and came to us. He put on a great show gobbling and strutting. 1" Spurs beard is 7.5". My friend can go after that other one tomorrow2 points
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Got out of work at 6:40 was in the woods by 7 saw a big bird in my back field got on the back side of the hedge row crawled 150yds on my belly poked out the other side to see him at about 10 ft swung up on him as he saw me and missed him with out touching a feather. Walked home crossed the road snuck up to the edge of a corn field saw 2 gobblers at 50 yds heading my way sat down and got ready they got to 30 yds behind some bushes and stayed there for 10 minutes. I sat there wishing I would have brought a call when I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. Looked to see a bunch of red heads 20yds to my right swung the gun around and dropped the front one. He's the first jake that I have killed in 15 years and I couldn't be happier what a fun morning. Now I'm soaked to the bone and heading to shower and then to bed. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk2 points
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says the guy posting on the internet...lmfao.2 points
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I can be as harsh a critic of the DEC as anybody, but even I have to recognize what a difficult job it must be to take on some of the major problems that have developed over the years. Just looking at the diversity of conditions, habitat, culture, and populations kind of points up the difficulty factor. And then consider that the majority of NYS that the DEC is responsible for is privately held properties that they have no direct management of. Lately, I tend to soft-pedal my criticisms quite a bit. The only thing that still can get to me is the arrogant attitudes of infallibility that comes out at most of these kinds of communications to the public. When you listen to their presentations, they seem to be selling the fact that they have everything under control, and it is only the stupid sportsmen who are too ignorant to understand how perfectly they are able to manage all things concerning the environment. Sometimes I think they would get a whole lot more support if they would drop the arrogance and admit that they don't really have everything under control and likely never will have that capability. Anyway, I will once again listen to their story and try to sift through what has a high likelihood of being fact vs. what is wishful thinking.2 points
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Hello i'm new in the forum and in the U.S. i have only one year here, i used to hunt in italy and now that im settling myself here i would like to start hunting. I'm going to open a discussion in another section because i need some directions to take the hunting licence and see if can do it , because actually i live in Brooklyn, and i read that the regulations in NYC area are very strict. By the way is a pleasure be part of forum now.1 point
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For Christmas I bought my daughter her first deer gun. A CVA Optima 50 cal. I figured she should get a few years of learning just how to use it before she will hit the woods with it (shes 12). A couple of weeks ago I had a great deal on some Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 scopes pop up on eBay, so I grabbed 2 of them. One for her and one to put on my Encore. I had been using an old Bushnell on my Encore for the last year or so and I hated that piece of crap. The other day I popped the scopes on the two guns. I think I got the rings on the CVA backwards, so I have to change those around. I cant wait to take her out and get her started with it after turkey season is over.1 point
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Public land hunting can be tough for sure. Another place to see an abundance of stupidity and ignorance is any public boat launch on any summer weekend!1 point
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higher poundage setups i stick with the rubber bludgeon heads and then lower poundage i go with the judo heads. if you intend to eat what you're shooting.1 point
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may not be 12' depending on the variety. still talking a young tree that isn't grown out at all and would maybe have a dozen apples at very most. i put $50+ because later in the season places sell them at around fair time for that much. they're whatever is left over though. usually over stock that are less desired but cross pollinate well. could easily double that if a place has to order what you want.1 point
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I fully realize that the the left-leaners won't care: http://www.breitbart.com/hillary-clinton/2016/05/01/one-year-silence-hillary-clinton-uranium-deal/ A "right wing" author, fully corroborated by a "left wing" newspaper. It's clearly not a partisan issue. "'splain it to me Lucy". Who decides at what point 'anti-government' activities become a crime?1 point
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Was seriously thinking of heading out, but after an hour drive and another 1/2 hr. walk back into the woods, not enough time to fuss about it. Like to be in the woods at 5:15am, and waiting for that magical time 5:30-6am to hear them sound off. Look's like the weather will be better on Tues. and wed.1 point
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I went thru a similar situation some years ago, it helped me to think that my new job was finding a job. Do something each day to help further your search, maybe fine tune a cover letter, make follow-up calls, drop off resumes, network...Taking this approach kept me from getting down (too often) and just feeling sorry for myself.1 point
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I have never ordered anything from them, but I know a ton of people who have and I have heard nothing but good about them. The owners name is "Larry"…you have to like a guy named Larry…LOL!!1 point
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And it's a wrap. Nothing talking. Still had a nice morning in the woods with my daughter.1 point
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One came in to my hen/jake set up. No blind, just back up under a dry space under a big hemlock, not bad at all in the woods. When the rain let up a bit, this guy gobbled a couple times and came in. Eight-inch beard, 3/4 inch spurs, 22.6 pounds. Now to go after the big old slob with the long spurs...oh, and remember. Don't grab them by the legs until they are stone dead. That's my blood, not his. Rookie mistake.1 point
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Had good action again this morning, bumped one off his roost but the othe three stayed. I did the fly down and they cut loose right above our heads. Two toms and a jake flew down, the jake was closest and the boy took a crack and missed again. I think it was just a bit too far for his 20, the birds just stood there and worked off. Lots of gobbles on the roost all around then nothing. Heading back out with the blind in a bit, rain just started here.1 point
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Just shot my first turkey ever! A Jake came in silently at 6:10 this morning, right to my decoy. I was set up in a large oak forest. Walking out around 6:30 I spooked a hen off the roost. Now I can focus my attention on a mature gobbler to fill my second tag. 6:40 and I was home drinking coffee! What a day!1 point
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I do practice as I hunt. In light rain, varying wind and light conditions. Practice in crosswinds or into the wind, is always done at short yardage 20 yards or less. Just like hunting will be in those conditions.1 point
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I'm really quite content with deer management... I would.like to see crossbow in all of archery, and a return to monday gun opener.. was more of a camp experiance then guys would cone out fri, we'd go visit camps or head into town , do the same on sat along with some camp chores.. sunday relax at camp , big dinner and early to bed.. that comroderie is missed by today's hunters, not to mention economic loss to all the small towns ...1 point
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Just got here! I've been tracking it all week on UPS, like a little kid watching that Santa Claus tracker on TV. Lyman Deerstalker stainless 50cal. Deer season never felt so far away ????.1 point
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I couldn't help but fire up some ribs on the grill today. Geechee born and Geechee bred1 point
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It's only supposed to weight 4 pounds which after walking thru the woods for 20 mins will be 40 lbs of course.1 point