Doc

Yeah, it would be nice to filter out the single source of foolish nonsense and flame-baiting once in a while. I think it would be a good feature. I suppose I can do the same thing myself, but it's just a lot easier when it is an automatic thing.

Here's the problem I have. I have heard all of this stuff before, and not really all that long ago. We had Pataki who campaigned as a friend to gun owners and then turned around and passed all kinds of so-called "assault rifle" restrictions. he too claimed to be a Conservative Republican but never lived up to that label. So, when campaign rhetoric and promises don't really mean a thing to these guys, how do you really recognize one of these characters that is telling the truth if he does come along. These guys love to say that they are outsiders like that is supposed to be some badge of honor. All that means is that they have no record or paper trail to foul up whatever they have to say to be elected. The last major outsider that I can remember was Carter when he was running for president ...... And look how that turned out. No, that label doesn't do a thing for me. And of course finally, there is the question of what chance does this guy have to beat Cuomo. Most likely Lazio's chances are pretty darn slim. So what chances does this Paladino really have. So, how about somebody trying to convince me that this guy should or even can become the next Governor of NYS. I really can't warm up to any candidate from either side of the fence, and have really become one politically cynical son of a gun. Doc

I know we would all like to see the DEC manage the herd more locally. When we look at the size and diversity of some of these WMUs, we know that the conditions across those WMUs are not identical and in some cases not even close to being identical. The fact is that even if you used counties or townships as management parcels you might get a bit better, but you still would never find exact consistant conditions. And the financial practicality would break the bank. I have seen deer conditions vary completely from one side of the valley to the other, or one property to the other. Couple all that with the current realities of the DEC budgets, and you start beginning to see why the WMU system was adopted. You are never going to make all hunters, everywhere, happy. In fact the herd will most likely never be managed at its optimum anywhere. What we have is a system that tries to average conditions across a large area, and most likely they over-shoot some areas and undershoot others within the same WMU and seldom really get it right. It's really a no-win situation. Add in some of the anti-deer financial interests that continually lobby the government to "kill 'em all", and pretty soon you begin to hear from some pretty irate hunters. Even some of the more popular suggestions that we see on this forum are really only appropriate for some specialized population and habitat conditions and probably are not suited for all lands of any one WMU. Nope, it will never be done right, and we will never all be happy. That's just a fact of life. I don't think it will ever change. I can only say that I'm glad that I never tried the DEC for employment. It's a pretty thankless, no-win job. Doc

Lol ...... That's why they call it "hunting". Things change and just as soon as you think you have it all figured out, it changes. It's funny the way all the deer hunting "how-to" books and articles always say to set up your stand between the bedding and feeding areas. Like the deer are always feeding on the same thing and bedded up in the same area. If it were all that easy, I guess there wouldn't be a whole lot to this hunting thing. Doc

Just based on what I see locally, our population is definitely on the upswing from several years ago. I don't have the harvest numbers here in front of me to see if those numbers agree with my observations or not. There really is no one story that covers the whole state other than what is issued by the DEC. Where you live will be different from just over the hill sometimes. Not only do deer patterns move, but hunter patterns move too, so conditions can change from one year to the next and from one valley to the next, one township to the next, and from one county to the next and from one region to the next. You will hear all kinds of conflicting stories about the state of the herd, and it is concievable that they all could be accurate. In our area, I believe we are seeing a steep decline in hunters and also a decline in endurance or enthusiasm of those hunters. Things get awful quiet around 10:00 opening morning, and they stay that way through the rest of the season. We now have a lot of 1 day hunters, and a lot of 1/2 day hunters. That's good news and bad news. I do like losing some of that carnival atmosphere when gun hunting (I feel safer), but I have to admit that a good lively crowd does get the deer moving. So if the crowd dies down, the deer take dies down, and the population goes up ..... regardless of how many permits are issued. Anyway, I can't answer your question about what is going on statewide. I only know what the DEC tells us about the statewide herd. Actually statewide numbers and comments are kind of useless to me anyway since I really can only be concerned with what is happening in the area that I hunt. Doc

That was an interesting video! It all looks like a fun time although I'm sure some of those guys take it a whole lot more serious that just a "fun time". Doc

Bad year for skeeters. It's a lot damper than other years and excellent breeding conditions for those little guys. Most other years, we have had a substantial stretch of drought by now. My shooting range (gun) and archery range are both in the woods and I haven't gotten a lot of shooting done this year because of those things. Doc

I have an old black military style knife that I bought at a National hunting & Fishing Day flea market years ago for $5. One would have expected that I probably got ripped off, but amazingly enough, it turned out to a very heavy, sturdy, thing made out of some of the best steel of all the knives in my rather substantial collection. The thing holds an edge forever, but when sharpening is required it takes no time at all to put a shaving edge on it. I have had that knife for close to 20 years, and use it for everything from wacking limbs off trees to gutting my deer. The only modification that I had to make was to grind off the cutting edge that ran up about 2" from the end, opposite the main cutting edge. I did that for my own safety after knicking myself on it while gutting a deer. Doc

My primary need for insurance is that little stipulation in my homeowners policy that excludes recreational type vehicles from coverage if the barn burns down. Very few homeowner's policies do cover such vehicles regardless of where you store it. And since there was the thought that it might legally be required whenever I was off my property, I decided to kill two birds with one stone. And as it turns out, it really didn't cost a whole lot. But double check your homeowner's policy and make sure that your ATV's are covered. A lot of people make the assumption that they are and then find out that they are not ....... too late. Doc

Hey I thought that would make you happy. After all it can't be any fun for you to be trolling if nobody bites. Just trying to make your day....lol. But actually since it obviously went over your head, let me explain that this reply was primarily about NYB. You probably didn't notice that. I know it was a bit much to read. Doc

Ha ..... who are you trying to kid. The only thing your for is to stir up as much devisive trash as you can. That's pretty obvious. Well bring it on if that's what floats your boat. I may play or I may not. That's one feature that I really miss or at least haven't found yet. The old site used to have an "ignore feature" that would block out trolls if you wanted to. Sure would be a good thing to have here ...... lol. Doc

Can it be modified by a gunsmith??

Just noticed what looks like a pretty interesting program on wild hogs and how their numbers are exploding across the U.S. and how they are growing bigger and more aggressive. It's on the Discovery Channel at 8:00 tonight (friday). I'll be taping it and watching it tomorrow. Unfortunately most of you won't see this in time, but if you do, you might be interested in tuning in. Doc

I just though of something. I've got most of my face covered up with a beard all the time anyway. I just might have to go to a face mask. The beard is getting pretty darn white now. Doc

First of all, as I have pointed out in other posts, as long as we have special seasons we each will decide what is appropriate in those seasons. Yes, we all have opinions ..... shame on us. I believe that you have an opinion that crossbows should be crammed into bow seasons. I happen to not agree ..... so have me arrested ..... lol. The NYB happens to agree with me on that point ..... I'm glad. And guess what, I have an opinion on muzzleloaders having their own season. Well, I am still waiting for anybody to explain why muzzleloaders as currently described by law has any disadvantage when compared to a shotgun. I'm not even going to mention single shot shotguns. So based on that I have formed an opinion ..... so shoot me. Oh, and by the way I do not run the NYB so my opinions are just that ..... my opinions. Now as far as what the NYB has done for NYS bowhunters, below are some of actions, and accomplishments over the years. Perhaps if you were a member, your criticisms would be a bit more accurate and have a bit more credibility and you would not have written that first sentence of the quoted post. If you are interested enough to work your way all the way down the list, I think you will be amazed at all the activities and accomplishments that they have fought for and won for bowhunters and others. Doc -------------------------------------------------------- 1993 First Youth Camp held at Turkey Trot Acres, Candor NY. Sent members to (US Sportsmen’s Alliance) workshops to prepare the organization for the battles ahead with “anti-hunting” groups. 1997 First Physically Challenged hunt held in Savannah NY. 1998 All nine regions of NY were represented by NYB Regional Reps 2001 Created the NYB Scholarship program. 2002 First Youth hunt held outside of Syracuse NY fall 2002. 2004 Assisted in establishing a 3D archery range for the United States troops serving in Iraq. 2005 Helped form North American Bowhunting Coalition made up of state, national and provincial bowhunting organizations thereby representing tens of thousands of bowhunters. 2007 1,000 young adults have been exposed to archery and bowhunting since our Youth Camp program began. Developed the program, “Adaptive Equipment for the Aging and Physically Challenged Bowhunter”. 2008 Assisted (National Archery in Schools Program) NASP program being started in NY with money and instructor training. First “Wounded Veteran” hunt as part of our “Camo to Camo” program. 2009 Recipient of the prestigious Pope & Young Stewardship Award. Recipient of the NYS Conservation Council President’s Award. Legislative Accomplishments 1995 Gained bowhunters the use of Deer Management Permits (DMP’s) during last 10 days of the southern zone early bow season. 1996 Allowed usage of Special 2nd deer (either sex) Tag during late bow season. 1999 Added 6 more days of DMP use for bowhunters. Use of Deer Management Assistance Permits (DMAPS) during bow seasons. 2001 Added one month to Suffolk County archery-only season (from Nov 1 to Oct 1 opener). Changed definition of legal bow from “…arrow that can propel a legal broadhead 150 yards…” to a 35 lb. minimum draw weight. 2002 In May NYB helped alter DEC Conservation Fund/deer management budget which included; 2nd tag (antler-less) for archers during early & late special seasons in both zones. Can use unfilled “regular” season buck only tag as an either sex tag during the special South Zone late seasons & Sept. portion of North Zone season. Can use “regular” season tag as an either sex tag in areas restricted to longbow only hunting, including regular season in Westchester Co. and any season in Suffolk Co. Residents who purchase lifetime, big game licenses and move out of state can now purchase other big game licenses at resident fee rates. Lowered fees for junior hunters & trappers. Allow use of DMP’s for junior archers & no extra fee charged Junior archers can hunt during all the “regular” firearm seasons with either sex tag 2002 Other accomplishments achieved by Fall of 2002 included; DMP use for bowhunters expanded to the entire season. Big game hunters can consign up to two DMP’s to other hunters. Hunters who have tagged-out may continue to participate in the hunt for the remainder of the big game seasons as long as they do not attempt to shoot at another deer. Supported passage of DEC Automated License System (DECALS). Expanded use of DMAPS from 2 to 4 tags per hunter in Regions 8 & 9. 2004 Allow for use of DMP’s during archery seasons by non-resident hunters. Passage of venison donation fund bill, allowing for volunteer contribution of $1 when purchasing sporting licenses. Added approximately 2 weeks to the beginning of Westchester Co. archery-only season (from Nov. 1st to match the Southern Zone season). Expand black bear hunting opportunities in the Catskill and Allegany ranges Defeat DEC proposal for a “youth” (16 & 17 year old) firearm deer hunt on 2nd last weekend of southern zone, early archery season. 2005 Prevented DEC from placing a muzzleloader season into or before Southern Zone archery-only season. Other Legislative Accomplishments; ●Established numerous contacts with state legislators, acting as their resource on bow issues. Meeting with them on a regular basis. ●Established a working relationship with the DEC. Meeting with them on a regular basis. ●Kept the crossbow out of the archery-only seasons & areas of the state. ●Promoted the harvest of antler-less deer to assist the DEC in management objectives. ●Established urban deer management archery hunts in various parts of the state - Irondequoit, Painted Post and Albany, NY; while preserving and promoting other programs in Westchester & Suffolk Counties. ●Established legislative E-Mail Alert System. General Organization Accomplishments ● Continually fighting the anti-hunter movement. Examples; participated in a demonstration on Long Island to counter the “anti-hunters” protesting the opening of bow season. Attended a county legislature meeting where anti hunters had assembled to mislead our elected officials. ● Have opposed the “anti-hunters” attempts to promote use of contraceptives to control deer herds. ● Thousands of dollars donated to promote various hunter education programs. ● Developed “Camo to Camo” program which sends gift boxes to American troops serving in the Mid-east. To date over 500 boxes (3,500 pounds!) have been shipped! Program also sends wounded veterans on free hunts. ● Provides specialized equipment for physically challenged individuals. ● NYB has donated thousands of dollars and our members have volunteered thousands of hours to various charities throughout New York State including (and not limited to) the American Red Cross, Hunt of a Lifetime, American Cancer Society. ● Since its inception NYB has been a contributor to the NYS Venison Donation Coalition program. ● Offers opportunities for members to participate in Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup Programs and other community based projects. NYB at Work in Iraq Tupper Lake Archer and NYB Region 5 Representative, Mike Savage, spearheaded an effort to get targets and equipment donated and sent to the troops in Iraq. Mike started the project after reading a letter in the January-February issue of Bowhunter magazine, written by Major Robert Gwinner of the U.S. Army's 8th Infantry, 1st Battalion. In the letter, Maj. Gwinner stated that he was building a small bow range adjacent to his unit's small-arms practice range. He also described archery as "a good break for our soldiers." Mike responded to Maj. Gwinner by e-mail and stated that the Tupper Lake Archers wanted to donate a target and he then inquired about what other archery items the troops needed to complete their archery range. Very soon an e-mail was received with a wish list that included arrows, field tips, practice broadheads, releases, targets and other gear. Through Mike’s efforts, donations of cash and merchandise came pouring in and several packages of archery related gear found their way into Iraq. The result is a range at the forward position of a fire zone; currently home for these heroes.

I agree. I try to keep all this stuff in perspective. It's all recreation, and if I don't get a deer, we probably won't starve to death. I don't really want to turn it into some kind of marathon of endurance ...... lol. Yeah, when I get stubborn enough or confident enough, I have been known to tough it out all day. I'll be honest though, other than opening day of gun season, it has never really paid off yet. I do a lot better by hunting the morning and evening hours and usually wind up hunting a lot more intently and paying attention a whole lot more, and not trying to amuse myself in the mid-day hours with phone gadgets and magazines. I will say one thing though ..... If I didn't live where I hunt or had to drive a long ways to get there, I would be putting in way more full day hunts. No doubt about that! Doc

It looks like we are finally making good use of the courts to get the anti gunners off our back. It's about time that we learned how to use that concept instead of always being on the losing end legal system. I just hope they have adequate resources to do a good and proper job of it. It wouldn't be so good to lose a case such as this, setting all kinds of negative precedents. Doc

That's one thing I concentrated on before retiring was to develop and finance a whole bunch of interests and hobbies. Now I'm glad I did, but it seems that I am busier now than i was when I was working ..... ha-ha. Doc

So they established bait restrictions (in 2007) because of potential import of bait fish with viral hemorrrhagic septicemia. What are the meetings for? Has the disease gone away ...... probably not. I don't understand what the meetings would accomplish besides depleting some more DEC money. Unfortunately the article didn't explain the purpose of the meetings. Doc

Over here in Ontario County, I have the same concerns, but I also would like to start hunting deer with a rifle. The old 12 guage can be a pretty ornery thing to shoot, and forget about target practice. 4 or 5 slugs each year to ensure that the scope has not moved and I'm more than happy to call it quits until a deer is in front of me. I really don't like that. I would prefer to be able to spend some time playing with a gun each year before hunting, but that shotgun just won't let me. If this bill ever gets through, I'm thinking of a nice calm .243 so that I can spend hours at the bench and get the familiarity with my deer gun that I feel happier about rather than getting the crap beat out of my shoulder with the 12 guage canon. However, I am a landowner and I do have a house in a rather vulnerable spot where hunters taking a long shot (200-300 yards) across the neighboring field might just poke a hole or two in my livingroom wall. The deer have quite often snuck down the hedgerowin years past. So I never could develop a real strong opinion one way or the other. Pretty much I have just let the issue go whatever way the majority want it and I will live with whatever consequences. But we seem to have a bit of a problem getting this law through the system. Errors in wording killed it once already when it was at the Governors desk. They had another go at it which got all screwed up. Now it looks like they might have it right, but it's taking forever. I tried checking it out on the internet, but they have had this thing in and out of the legislature so many times, it is hard to tell which bill is which. It has a jillion different bill numbers and counting. So far I haven't found anything that says that it was even sent to the governor yet. But that doesn't mean that it hasn't. Any way ...... we'll see how it all turns out. Doc

Birdsfoot trefoil. I had a small field of it that I turned into a pond. The pond failed so I had it filled in. Long story short, the topsoil wound up 10 feet under and the subsoil (clay and gravel and shale) wound up on top. guess what the first thing was that grew on that crappy dirt ...... that's right, birdsfoot trefoil. I'd swear that stuff would grow on cement. Inside of two years that field was covered with it. I've seen it grow in full sun, and I've seen it grow in shade. I would guess that it would have no problem growing on those roadways. That dirt looks great compared to the stuff in my field after the pond was filled in. The deer seem to like it. They are out their grazing in that field all the time so they must not hate it. The only problem you might encounter is if they started to be randomly drawn to those roadways. depending on how long they are, that might tend to distribute the deer around the property so that you would lose any predictibility. Kind of like a huge oak woods when all the trees are producing acorns. Doc

Even that number would be be pretty hard to come by. Harvest reports do not list age, and personal observations are tough because we're sitting in the woods when most of the deer are being taken home. I'm not even sure that I could even come up with a semi-credible estimate. I just don't get to see that big a percentage of deer (dead or alive). About all I can reasonably say with a little certainty is that one year may have had more or less older deer than another, or perhaps comparisons through observations over many years about changes in age structure stated in a very vague and general way might have some credibility. But actual percentages?? I'll admit, I can't do it. Not over any period of time and certainly not any instant snapshot in time. Doc

But, I would think that if you can come up with a load that can pull off "1000 yard shots that would out do any centerfire that was ever made", it seems that such a load and even a lot less potent loads would still have plenty of knock-down power at 200 to 400 yards to instantly turn the lights out on a british soldier, wouldn't it? Again, I really have no knowledge of these weapons and that is why I am asking. I see these shows on Discovery Channel or National Geograpics channel or the History Channel, and they always leave me wondering how much is actual fact, and how much is folk-lore passed off as fact. I figured the guys who actually use these things would have a pretty good idea whether this particular show was embellishing the facts a bit or not. Doc

It sounds like the only thing on your list. Try picking up a little interest in hunting ..... lol. Worried? That's probably not the right word. I am a bit puzzled that your only interest on this forum seems to be a topic guaranteed to drive a wedge between hunters. I just wonder if that isn't more of the motivation than any actual interest in crossbows. Like I said before, this "johnny-one-note" fixation that you have going just seems a bit weird to me. I like a good controversy as much as anybody, but I try not to let it become everything that I am capable of talking about or thinking about. Lighten up a bit. There's more in life than just crossbows. Try expanding your interests just a bit. It'll make you feel better ..... lol. Doc

It just occurred to me that the answer to this question would vary greatly depending on the time of year. Right after gun season, the percentages would be a lot different than just before season ..... right? That is if there was a reliable and credible way of getting at those numbers. My guess is that very thorough harvest data with a whole lot of in-depth analysis is about the only way that you could even take a stab at figuring that all out. Doc