13BVET

I snap a cap after firing, to blow excess buildup out of the breech plug. This helps with ignition.

It seems to help blow out excess residue, including, of course, any excess powder. Helps alot, especially when firing multiple shots during the sight in.

I usually "snap a cap" after I fire, to clear out excess residue.

The mere fact that this guy was shooting well after legal shooting light (actually dark), should be an automatic charge of either negligent homicide, or involuntary manslaughter at the very least. This is just sheer stupidity.

I agree 100%, Doc. It's very interesting to note that hunter participation dropped significantly in the areas that have AR's, according to the reports on DEC's website.

Never had a problem taking a deer while smoking, and I hunt strictly on the ground. Having said that, different environments will produce different results. Here, they are used to certain odors, noises, etc.

Actually, quite a few of these does are very young, and exposed themselves very readily during bow. I passed. Just way too small for my liking. If a decent doe shows herself for a shot with the ML, she's definitely going down.

It's kind of a different situation where I hunt. I'm the only one who hunts this property, and, actually, there are plenty of bucks. I had actually seen far more bucks than does. Having said that, the does are starting to show themselves by the droves again. I actually try to balance my harvest. I took one buck, and, since I have an either sex ml tag, I am going to focus on taking a doe. I actually already have some big boys there, having seen them. However, there are also tons of younger bucks there. I believe, by last estimates, there may be as many as 45 to 60 deer per square mile in Dutchess County. Vassar College alone, before they had sharpshooters cull the population, had as many as 125 deer per square mile.

Actually, that's not the case for me. I only like to keep 2 deer max. Anything I get outside of that, gets donated to hunters helping the hungry. I've always felt good about donating to that cause. Interestingly enough, I noticed that you harvested does. Good for you. I support doe harvest 100%. Ironically, there are quite a few staunch AR supporters who do not believe in harvesting does at all, considering them dumber than bucks. This was actually very evident when me and a friend of mine attending the public meeting that the DEC hosted in Middletown a few years back. These AR people were anti doe hunting all the way. So, apparently, there seems to be some infighting on that topic also.

I agree. Especially considering the fact that many hunters couldn't get any doe permits whatsoever-myself included, for 3G. I had only 1 tag for gun hunting, and that was it. Hardly an overwhelming amount of opportunity.

It's interesting you mention fields. I actually hunt a wide open field. There will be fresh beds there in the morning when I get there. If it's really cold, like this morning, I'll never see anything though. Needless to say, I didn't even go out this morning.

I've noticed, that where I hunt, if the weather dips below 20, that deer movement is severely limited as opposed to temps in the 20's & 30's. Usually in the afternoon, once it warms a little, is when I tend to see more activity. It seems as though they try to conserve energy on the really cold mornings. Has anybody else noticed this, or is it just me?

It's interesting to note, that during the '70's, and '80's, finding a place to hunt was easy. In fact, many hunters would hunt non-posted land, and the landowners couldn't have cared less. Hell, we used to hunt Texaco Research Centers property, and they would just stop and ask if you had any luck. Then came the influx, and that was all she wrote. Things definitely changed to the worst down here hunting wise.

Well said, Doc. That is exactly what has happened in Dutchess County. Within the last 10 years, the influx of people from the city, and Westchester, has either decimated hunting areas, or land has been bought up by avid anti-hunters. It's very possible, that at least Southern Dutchess may become bow only in the future. That may explain why Baxtertown WMU, which just opened, is bow only. I actually asked DEC why this area was bow only, and they cited that there was too much population growth in the area. They kind of hinted, that there was always a possibilty of Southern Dutchess becoming bow only in the long run, as they don't see gun as a viable option down the road, because of all the development.

No problem here, DeadDeer. I say get out and enjoy it-that's what it's all about. It's a hobby, and a sport-not a business. And Merry Christmas!

I was wondering if anyone who hunts in 3G is seeing anything. Took a little joy ride up to the property I hunt, and saw a bunch of them out in the field. A lot of tracks in the snow on the upper area also. How's everyone else making out on that?

You couldn't be further off base. You see, when I had permission to hunt private property in Fishkill, I actually practiced my own QDM. But, when I invited friends to hunt, I didn't force my own viewpoints on them. To me, that's just wrong. That property was lost due to development. I now hunt a property, which I might add, that hunting land is very hard to come by down here, where the landowner wants the deer controlled. He doesn't have any interest how big they are, as he has too many. I was up at Ft. Drum for many years, and I know how much land is available up there, as to down here. Anyway, I actually passed on small bucks the opening day of gun. The landowner can literally see the property from his house, and could not understand why, as he wants them controlled. In order to keep hunting this land, which, as I noted, is hard to come by, it certainly benefits me to make an effort to control the deer. That was the original agreement with the landowner, and I will honor it. This is a pic from when I used to hunt in Fishkill. 9 Point, 173 1/4 lbs. You see, I don't place an emphasis on small deer.

Yeah, I guess you're right on that. Hell, I dealt with the military for years, where they certainly called us far worse, and, quite frankly, dealt with far worse situations. I freely admit that I'm short fused as hell. Thanks for the pep, NYANTLER.

You're probably right. It is still kind of asinine though.

Excellent. I miss going with my father. I'm afraid those days are over, because of his health. Kudos to your father.

It sure seems like it sometimes. It's really not the way it should be. United we stand, divided we fall. This constant infighting is going to have a negative effect on us in the long run. It's stupid.

Nice bucks! I miss the days when I would get my father out there. Unfortunately, throat cancer has taken it's toll on him.

Moderator, please delete my posts-I'm better than that. Thank you.

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Screw you, punk. They are both only interested in one thing-SEX! You're obviously the dumba$$, if you don't realize the rut has an adverse affect on ALL bucks.