Doc

OK ..... Speaking of apples, how do you know when a granny Smith is ready to be picked. They're green before they're ripe and they're green when they're ripe. Not trying to be funny ..... I have a Granny Smith tree that is bearing this year for the first time, and while it is still way too early yet, I have been wondering how I will know when to pick them.

I really don't know where or why these kinds of activities became related to hunting. Obviously Ted Nugent being an out-spoken hunting and 2nd Amendment public supporter caused him to insert himself as a defender of hunting, but I have no idea where the hook-up between Nascar drivers and some team sports participants came from. For some reason the hunting manufacturers decided that there was some benefit to connecting these people with their products. It's probably some study of the demographics of hunter populations that show a common interest. I have to admit that I absolutely don't fit into whatever profiles they came up with, because other than boxing, I really have no interests in any of the common team sports. And, as far as Nugent's music, I have to admit that that kind of 'squealy' heavy metal style rock is exactly the thing that drove me into listening to country.....lol. So I think they are probably barking up the wrong tree with me, but maybe most other hunters like to identify with all these kinds of people. And maybe attaching their names and personalities to hunting manufacturers products really does make a difference in sales.

I have to say that the absolute best meat that I have ever tasted was breaded, deep fried, domestic bunny-rabbit. Oops! .... that's not what you had in mind at all was it?

Because of your reference to Byron Ferguson's book, I assume you are attempting to shoot instinctive. That is not something you can pick up overnight. Some people never do. Instinctive archery is a very demanding style of shooting. It is something that I gave up many years ago because I got swept into the techno-frenzy approach to archery, A decision I have often regretted since. I do wish you success and hope that somebody here can help you out.

Back in the day when I used to eat, sleep and breathe archery, I used to read every technical article and test report of each and every new bow, arrow, and any other archery related trinket and gadget. I'd be the first out there to argue any little, nearly insignificant, virtue of bow features and performances. I have torn apart and rebuilt more bows than most people have ever owned. I think that is just typical of anybody who is totally immersed in anything. It becomes obsessive. I certainly understand it and have been there. Today, I simply hunt. I found an archery set-up that gets deer within the limitations that I have set for myself. The bow is now getting quite old (I believe we are closing in on 10 years old now). The arrows are old Easton aluminums (some from the late 70's). The release and arrow rest is the same age as the bow (nothing special). Just a couple years ago, I was using some old Bear Razorheads of a late 1960's vintage. My sight is a home-made one with parts from an old Cobra sight of the 1980's. The story these days is if it ain't broke, it ain't going to be replaced. My emphasis is now on the hunting, and the techno-trinkets are a thing of the past. It's alright .... I still get deer. In fact, one of my more prolific bows was that old Bear whitetail Hunter with solid epoxy limbs that you could use for a pry-bar if you so desired ... lol. Speed? Well it didn't fare well in that department, but it sure did get deer. Anyway, if people still like to argue about that last FPS, or that last Ft-Pound of energy, I certainly understand it. Been there .... Done that. But I also appreciate the school of thought that says, "Just get out there and kill a deer", because that's where I'm at today.

I'll give it a few days and then check the quality of the pics (if any). We got it out yesterday morning.

I have no problem with some introductions, but unfortunately it seems that there are more than a few occasions where such "messin' with nature" has caused problems in the past. I only ask that exhaustive study be done first to be certain that any of these introductions are not mistakes. And verifying that a reintroduced species was once resident is not by itself adequate study. Many things have permanently changed over the decades and centuries regarding habitat and other conditions, so what was once appropriate may no longer still be appropriate.

I made that statement as a description of a tactic that a lot of low-quality magazines resort to when they think they need a boost in income. And I will not rule that out as being a potential motivator. When I see magazines reaching into the area of poor taste, it is usually a sign of desperation. Barring that, the suspected motives become even more disgusting. In my opinion, this creep has received way more press than he actually deserves. It has all gone beyond initial news reporting and now enters the area of simple exploitation for profit. And by the way, I am in no way leaving Time magazine out of this kind of criticism either. There have been many issues that I felt were in extremely poor taste. This latest exploitation and glorification of another deranged killer is just more of the same, and there is absolutely no excusing any of it.

Frankly, I have never bought that magazine and never will. So I have no idea what their editorial ideology is. Perhaps they feel this kid is their hero and should be highlighted on their cover. That would be my immediate impression. Most likely what we're dealing with is a magazine of low quality that has to resort to shock tactics just to get people to buy their crap. Those that go along with such transparent tactics and fail to understand why there is such an outrage over yet another mindless killer being high-lighted on the cover of a 'music' magazine are definitely showing signs of hopeless desensitization to cold-blooded and random murder and atrocity. While one might imagine that such an open-minded attitude displays some sort of "worldly intelligence", or elevated thinking, I personally think it shows a rather callous and thoughtless attitude toward the victims of the senseless violence that this demented creature performed. Anyone who mistakes common decency for political correctness, is certainly defining the term "political correctness" a whole lot differently than I do. When one says that they "don't get it", I guess they really don't, and that's a shame.

I haven't been to this show in years. The last time it was still over in Bloomfield, and it was damned impressive way back then. it looks like it has grown a lot since then. I might just take a drive over to Seneca Falls just to be amazed and check out what farming has turned into.

So, I got my new Covert trail-cam. Set-up was super easy. I love it already and haven't even taken the fist pic yet. Only one hitch ...... today I went to the doctor for a super-inflamed left elbow. Doctor put the whole arm in splint from my hand to almost up to my shoulder to immobilize it, so here I sit with one arm in sling. Anybody know how to strap a camera to a tree with only one hand? Tomorrow the wife has volunteered to help me out with that. Just like the old days when she used to help run the trap-line during the week. She's a good ol' lady ..... lol.

Apparently you have a very low opinion of those that hunt with crossbows if you believe that a lot of them are lawbreakers that would illegally hunt with their contraptions. Look, I am not for crossbows in bow season, but even I would not impugn the integrity and honesty of those that want to bust their way into bow season. I have no reason to believe as you apparently do that these people are poachers and would hunt illegally. Frankly, you really don't do your cause much good by making those kinds of statements.

Other than my "lifetime hunting license" that comes through the mail, I always go down to the Town Hall for my bow license. It's one of the times that I get to say hi to all the folks down there and get updated on the local gossip and hot topics ... lol.

2nd picture down, dead center on the bridge of the nose, slightly down from a line drawn between the eyes ..... What is that red dot? Is that a blood engorged tick? Any theories? Pretty good sharp pictures when somebody is asking questions about a tick-sized feature on a deer's nose ..... lol.

I did good last year when I took my tip that the Ontario County rifle law was a lock, and I bought that .270 caliber American Ruger. I've had all this time to be practicing with that thing and my biggest choice will be what hair on the deer I want to hit ..... lol.

I think something like about 16" would be perfect. Just right for sitting on .... lol.

Just a minute and I will go check. That one was signed too.

It's Official: Get those rifles sighted in --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATUS: S3929 NOZZOLIO Same as A 5574 Kolb Environmental Conservation Law TITLE....Authorizes hunting in the county of Ontario until October 1, 2015 02/27/13 REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION 03/12/13 1ST REPORT CAL.184 03/13/13 2ND REPORT CAL. 03/14/13 ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 04/23/13 PASSED SENATE 04/23/13 DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY 04/24/13 referred to environmental conservation 06/19/13 substituted for a5574 06/19/13 ordered to third reading rules cal.422 06/19/13 passed assembly 06/19/13 returned to senate 07/02/13 DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR 07/12/13 SIGNED CHAP.144

I will tell you all how I am going to use this record. Those in my district that voted for the Safe Act will be voted against regardless of who is running against them (I have one of each). They will receive an e-mail and a letter explaining why. Those that voted against the Safe Act in my district will receive my vote ... again, regardless of who their opposition is. Democrat, Republican, independent, Liberal, or Conservative be damned. This vote will not be cast for or against any particular ideology other than against those that made it clear that they think the 2nd Amendment is dead. Gun owner supporters will also receive an e-mail and a letter explaining my vote. There will also be "letters-to-the- editor" published to further explain my vote in a more public way. It's really that simple. A single issue vote (for this coming election anyway). I want my vote to send a message to all NYS legislators that a vote against gun owners rights has consequences to their future in politics. I want them to feel the pressure of the NRA, and the understanding that it costs dearly to disregard gun-owner rights and the 2nd Amendment. We need to assert our strength and bring a fear of the gun-owner vote again. If large quantities of gun owners did the same (for this one election), there would be a powerful message sent that would ensure that people like those that callously voted in the dark of night for an action that was clearly aimed at gun owners, would never again dare to pull such a stunt. I realize that by the time the election rolls around, most of those who were so enraged will all be calmed down again and worrying about many other things that are more current or more in tune with their own personal ideologies. I also understand that there are those that feel they must vote party affiliation regardless of whether the recipients are truly working for us or against us. I can't control their votes, but I can control mine. And this time I have a single message for those guys and I am going to make sure they understand what that message is. And hopefully there will be many others that join me in sending this message to Albany and all those that intend to ever get there as legislators.

I am assuming that those who disagree with the findings of the jury have either attended each day of the trial or have somehow already read a complete transcript of the trial. Or perhaps they have some special personal knowledge of the case and those involved. Otherwise, while second-guessing the verdict of those who heard the entire case may be a lot of fun, it really only amounts to some silly ignorant blather. And I mean the term "ignorant" only in the dictionary sense ..... lol.

Voting record on the NYS Safe Act Just to have the voting record available on this forum, Here is the way your legislators voted on that so-called "Safe Act". Whenever you get the time, find your legislator's name and see how they voted. Do with that information what you feel is appropriate. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SENATE COMMITTEE VOTE: – Rules – Jan 14, 2013 VOTING TO INFRINGE YOUR GUN RIGHTS – Ayes (18): Skelos, Libous, Carlucci, Flanagan, Fuschillo, LaValle, Marcellino, Valesky, Stewart-Cousins, Breslin, Dilan, Hassell-Thompson, Krueger, Montgomery, Parker, Perkins, Espaillat, Gianaris; Ayes W/R (1): Hannon VOTING TO PROTECT YOUR GUN RIGHTS – Nays (6): Bonacic, Farley, Larkin, Maziarz, Nozzolio, Seward SENATE FLOOR VOTE: – Jan 14. 2013 Ayes (43) Nays (18) Excused (1) VOTING TO INFRINGE YOUR GUN RIGHTS – Ayes: Adams, Addabbo, Avella, Boyle, Breslin, Carlucci, Diaz, Dilan, Espaillat, Felder, Flanagan, Fuschillo, Gianaris, Gipson, Golden, Grisanti, Hannon, Hassell-Thompson, Hoylman, Kennedy, Klein, Krueger, Lanza, Latimer, LaValle, Marcellino, Martins, Montgomery, O’Brien, Parker, Peralta, Perkins, Rivera, Sampson, Sanders, Savino, Serrano, Skelos, Smith, Squadron, Stavisky, Stewart-Cousins, Valesky Ayes: 43; (Democrat:32 Republican:11) VOTING TO PROTECT YOUR GUN RIGHTS – Nays: Ball, Bonacic, DeFrancisco, Farley, Gallivan, Griffo, Larkin, Libous, Little, Marchione, Maziarz, Nozzolio, O’Mara, Ranzenhofer, Ritchie, Robach, Seward, Young Nays: 18; (Democrat:0 Republican:18) Excused: Zeldin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ASSEMBLY FLOOR VOTE: – Jan 15, 2013 Ayes (104) Nays (43) Excused (3) VOTING TO INFRINGE YOUR GUN RIGHTS – Ayes: Abbate, Abinanti, Arroyo, Aubry, Barrett, Barron, Benedetto, Boyland, Braunstein, Brennan, Bronson, Brook-Krasny, Buchwald, Cahill, Camara, Castro, Clark, Colton, Cook, Curran, Cusick, Cymbrowitz, DenDekker, Dinowitz, Englebright, Espinal, Fahy, Farrell, Galef, Gantt, Gibson, Gjonaj, Glick, Goldfeder, Gottfried, Heastie, Hennessey, Hevesi, Hikind, Hooper, Jacobs, Jaffee, Kavanagh, Kellner, Kim, Lavine, Lentol, Lifton, Vito Lopez, Losquadro, Lupinacci, Magnarelli, Maisel, Malliotakis, Markey, Mayer, McDonald, McDonough, McKevitt, Miller, Millman, Morelle, Mosley, Moya, Nolan, O’Donnell, Ortiz, Otis, Paulin, Peoples-Stokes, Perry, Pretlow, Quart, Ra, Ramos, Roberts, Robinson, Rodriguez, Rosa, Rosenthal, Rozic, Russell, Ryan, Santabarbara, Scarborough, Schimel, Sepulveda, Silver, Simanowitz, Simotas, Skartados, Solages, Steck, Stevenson, Stirpe, Sweeney, Thiele, Titone, Titus, W einstein, Weisenberg, Weprin, Wright, Zebrowski Ayes: 104; (Democrat:96 Republican:7 Independent:1) VOTING TO PROTECT YOUR GUN RIGHTS - Nays: Barclay, Blankenbush, Borelli, Brindisi, Butler, Ceretto, Corwin, Crouch, DiPietro, Duprey, Finch, Friend, Gabryszak, Garbarino, Giglio, Goodell, Graf, Gunther, Hawley, Johns, Jordan, Katz, Kearns, Kolb, Lalor, Peter Lopez, Lupardo, Magee, McLaughlin, Montesano, Nojay, Oaks, Palmesano, Rabbitt, Raia, Reilich, Saladino, Schimminger, Skoufis, Stec, Tedisco, Tenney, Walter Nays: 43; (Democrat:8 Republican:35 Independent:0) Excused: Crespo, Fitzpatrick, Rivera Don’t know who your NYS Assemblyman is? Go to: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?sh=search Fill in your address and result will show your NYS Assemblyman and your NYS Assembly district number. Write it down somewhere. Don’t know who your NYS Senator is? Go to: http://www.nysenate.gov/ Fill in your address and result will show your NYS Senator, his addresses, and your NYS Senate district number. Write it down somewhere. Want to see how these reps voted on the Safe Act look at listings above and locate their name.

Are there any legal restrictions on owning pepper spray in NYS?

That's ok. The bear will take it down for them .... lol.

It's on the way.

And I have to wonder why the crossbow pushers didn't start there. That seems to be their strongest argument, and the one that would have most easily gotten their foot into bow season. I really wonder if the pro-crossbow crowd really is concerned much about the handicapped and the elderly or if they are simply using them to bolster their real goal of cramming crossbows into bow season for everybody. Baby steps people. I believe you will get what you want by not coming on quite so greedy all at once.