13BVET

I'm not stating one way, or the other. When the episode was posted on the site, however, when the buck was killed by coyotes, at the end, where the coyotes were gone, only a portion of the hind quarters were eaten. Obviously, it would depend upon how long the deer was there. I just don't see how a cotote, or even 2 coyotes, are going to eat a whole deer in a short time. I know that I shot a doe on Ridgefield Farm in Fishkill one year, and ended up having to search for it the next morning. The coyotes had gotten to it overnight, as there were tracks in the snow around it. They only took a little bit of the hind quarters, and that was it. As to why they constantly target the hind quarters-who knows?

There's no question that grouse are cyclic, but, when you don't see at least one in around 15 years, there's something wrong. Before development got out of control, grouse were fairly easy to find-even during their down cycles. Today, you will find literally no grouse in areas that were productive in the past. Their habitat has been decimated by development.

When I lived in Fishkill, I literally watched a coyote kill a fawn. He/she ate a portion of the hind quarters, and actually drug it underneath the steps where I lived, and I assume, stored it for future use. At least that's been my experience.

If a deer is surrounded by them, I would imagine that it's definitely possible. There's no question that coyotes would go for the rear end, rather than risk getting gored by the antlers. I've found deer torn up by coyotes, that definitely were young, healthy deer.

I have to agree. There's no question that excessive development has decimated the grouse population. Ever since they put the Gap, and the out of control housing on Merritt Blvd., it has put a beating on certain species-including rabbits.

If there was no obvious wounds, I'd be concentrating on decimating the coyote population. The hind quarters being torn up, is a sure sign of coyotes.

I understand that. Ironically, though, all of about 15 years ago (maybe a little longer), there were actually healthy numbers of grouse in Dutchess. I used to see them on Brockway Road in Fishkill, Ridgefield Farms in Fishkill, and many other places. It's a shame they've disappeared from this area.

Sorry to hear that Larry. Just makes it even harder around the holidays.

Well, I guess I pretty much answered my own question!

I know that I haven't seen one in 12 years now. I've talked to DEC about it, but, all I get is the old "Grouse Hunter's Log" bs. I don't need a log to figure out that grouse are effectively non-existent down here. A better question, is what, if anything, would the DEC do about it? Well, I think the answer is pretty obvious, since we live in the lower southern tier-NOTHING!

Alright, guys. Looking for a decent rabbit spot in Dutchess County. I've had limited luck in Big Buck MUA, and the DEP properties. Are there any other local spots that are decent for rabbits?

3G, I rate a B+. During the bow, I saw a lot of them. In the early part of gun, it was slow, and actually saw nothing for about a week. Once the pressure eased off on the neighboring property, they started coming out again. There are no shortage of deer in the particular area of 3G I hunt. However, a lot (over 60%) of them were small.

Go bunny hunting!

Actually, while I have strong conservative beliefs, religion is definitely not one of them. I'm pretty much I guess what people would call an "agnostic". I don't know if there is, or isn't. However, I see nothing wrong with people believing, and get irritated with people who want to ban Merry Christmas, In God We Trust, and every other thing their personal ideology doesn't agree with, when it comes to the Christian religion.

Unfortunately, this will be our 2nd year without Christmas. Severe financial situation. Sometimes, that's just the way it goes. However, I am certainly not PC, so I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and, hopefully, a Happy New Year.

I wear BO also. I definitely want to be seen!

I can't believe we just had a pretty strong thunderstorm roll through. Boy, that thunder was loud! Isn't this supposed to be December?!

I agree. It's like a double edged sword, I guess.

Where I hunt, the landowner has zero interest in AR's. He wants the deer controlled, plain and simple. If anything, AR's could feasibly create situations where landowners who want deer numbers controlled, would opt for more nuisance permits. I know that the person who owns the land where I hunt, wants one less deer on his property-not one more. He considers them to be nothing less than a scourge.

Thanks, Phade. Definitely going to try those. Missed a doe because of delayed ignition yesterday.

Actually, I've kept it spotless. I can literally see right through the hole, and there's no obstruction. What size drill bit do you use?

I'm using the Remingtons. I originally used the Winchester 777 primers. I seemed to have problems with both. I'll have to try the Feds, or the CCI's.

what primers are you using? I keep having delayed ignition. I'm assuming my primers aren't hot enough? There's no question that the flame is getting to the charge. Any input would be appreciated!

Boy, isn't that the truth. I missed on a doe today, but I sure as hell killed a branch!