13BVET

Down here, in Southern Dutchess, it is definitely the development. You wouldn't even recognize the landscape anymore, from all of about 15-20 years ago. The developments have swallowed up so much land, it's sickening. Upon talking to DEC about the lack of hunting area left here, even they acknowledge that it's pretty much a lost cause in this area. Go figure. It's bad-I mean REAL bad!

Interesting pics. I've often wondered why a huntable population of moose cannot seem to be established.

I don't know about other parts of the state, but we have been getting bombarded with thunderstorms down here. Nasty ones, too! How's the rest of you guys weather?

The article indicates that 58% of hunters statewide oppose AR's. Now, there's no question, at least in my opinion, that politicians should butt out, but the numbers speak for themselves. I practice my own "QDM", but what others do on their property, is up to them. Here's a prime example, of a situation I've got. I hunt a property in Millbrook (3G). The landowner wants the herd thinned on his property, and, quite frankly, has no interest in AR's. It is a wide open field I hunt, right above his house. He can literally see every deer that goes through the field. If he knows I have tags, he expects me to harvest deer, plain and simple. I have taken many deer off this property, and it seems to be a never ending cycle. Would he want to hear that I didn't take the big four that was wide open, because of AR's? More than likely, not. He would end up getting tags to control them in the off season, effectively ending my permission to hunt the property. Ironically, while his place is overwhelmed with deer, I can't get a doe permit for this area, than to save my life. It makes no sense to worry about what buck I take, while I can't even get a doe permit.

It stinks like hell, but it works great. I've used it, and literally had deer not even pay any attention to me. I honsetly believe they thought I was another deer. It DOES work.

Doc is 100% right. Even the NYSCC recommended this bill be vetoed. Typical of the PC crowd in Albany. Here's the article: http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20110810/sports/108100389/outdoors-sportsmen-fight-antler-restriction-bill

Okay, these are my thoughts, although I know some will disagree, and I respect that. First of all, antlers do not determine how old a deer is. Food sources are responsible for antler growth. I have known people who took spikes, that were as old as all hell. The proof of this, is the fact that 55% of bucks harvested in Pa., were yearlings. That seems awful high still, if the idea was based on taking "mature" bucks. Also, I would imagine, that leaves a lot of immature bucks to breed does, which isn't necessarily a good thing. I also found it interesting, that the overall deer population in Pa. is in decline. That one baffles the mind. Mississippi, which had antler restrictions, actually had problems with it, because hunters were shooting the bucks as soon as they became legal, resulting in breeding by young deer, which has actually resulted in decline in antler size. As for myself, I pass on youngsters. But, that's my option. As for the guy that shoots the spike, he paid just as much for the license, and, for all I know, needs the food for his family, especially with today's economy. As long as they're within the law, it's not my place to judge. Just my personal opinion.

I'm sorry. Except for one minor detail. Down here, they don't leave any woods at all, if they can help it. We have more deer out on the roads, than anywhere else (except, of course, behind houses).

Doc, I agree 100%.

I can relate to this, but, in this area, it was development that has done a lot of damage to the hunting opportunities. That's why I'm still seriously considering giving it up. I have this funny thing about paying out hard earned money for no opportunity. The question for you, is how far you're willing to travel. Or, you might consider joining a gun club that has property. Ironically, I did that, and our club lost the property, so now we have nothing. Of course, we lost it to development. Go figure.

In this area, it's the development that has hurt the small game populations-especially rabbit and grouse. Just to put it into perspective, I haven't seen a grouse in about 11-12 years. They were very abundant before development got out of control-now they're gone. Squirrels, on the other hand, are all over the place.

Definitely the air rifle. Loads of fun that way. A .410 is nice for them also.

I hunt with bow, shotgun, and muzzleloader. If anything, at least in my personal opinion, muzzleloader should be longer. After all, we pay the same amount for this, as we do for the bow. Also, I tend to see far less deer after the regular season. 9 days just isn't all that great, at least in my opinion.

Once again, the DMP's in 3G are pathetic. Baffles the mind, as there are actually tons of does in that area. I think they need to do real time scouting. They are way off base on their numbers.

I know this is a stupid question, but what does the DEC mean when they say that the DMP's are free to purchasers of the lifetime Sportsman prior to Oct. 1, 2009? Just curious as to why they specified a date concerning that.

Looking for some opinions on what the DEC should do concerning the problem of coyotes. There is an article in today's Poughkeepsie Journal, as to where coyotes are becoming a problem in the Town Of Poughkeepsie. I know there was a petition going around at one time, requesting that all year hunting be allowed. What are your opinions on this?

Hi, Muzzyloader. Yes, I did. Field Artillery for 14 years (towed).

Welcome, Forest Hunter, from a fellow newbie on the forum. I had been studying this forum for a while also, and certainly enjoyed the discussions that were brought up. Very informative, and interesting.

Hi, Birdhunter. Sorry for the delay. Are you referring to the DEP properties? I do have a permit for those. Have to ask you something, though. A sound assumption would be that you obviously bird hunt. How have you done on grouse? I haven't flushed one in 12 years in Fishkill. It would seem that they are non-existent in that area anymore. That was definitely one of my passions. Of course, not seeing one in 12 years, didn't exactly make my hunting experiences enjoyable either. Just wondering if you've had any luck on them.

Thanks, guys. It was a tough, but realistic decision. Look forward to posting on the forum.

Hi, folks. Just registered, and am very interested in discussing topics related to hunting. I have to admit, though, that I have decided this year, to give it up, due to the fact that I have no place to go anymore in Southern Dutchess. However, I still would like to discuss issues pertaining to hunting, as I used to enjoy it. I hope no one objects to this. Thank you.