First-light

Joe, I thought about what you just said. The biggest bucks I have ever shot were in a season that they just happen to be the 1st or second buck that had seen. I have a P/Y buck that was taken the second weekend of bow, the first buck I saw that year. I do have to say though that after harvesting a big buck I have never come face to face with something bigger. I should be happy for that.

Wow, that some story. I have often thought about that at my camp. Lucky for them they got the hell out! Romeo and Juliet a love story ended by Bubba and his 12 gauge!

Bleeding hearts-I don't think so. Some of the most experienced and ethical hunters in New York, yes!

Bubba, I was hoping you would weigh-in. You have some experience with this stuff, thanks.

Funny was at my sisters house yesterday in Bedford, Westchester county and they said the deer were making a runway across their backyard. They have 4 acres, stream and a pond. The deer just love to walk along the stream. Well at 4:00 here they come about 9 of them, a 20 yard shot right off the deck. I just watched it was real cool.

I have the same gun also. I did not get a scope but want to put one on this year. Anyone have any problems buying used scopes? May stop at Lou's gun shop in Bath the next time I'm up at the cabin and take a look.

That is really neat! It seems the deer are so curious over this tree all rubbed up, what type of scent did you put on it. Great way to get them to stop for a shot. Unlike a scrape that could be put in the same area this is visible across the field to them.

Thanks guys, I was thinking the same. It is a pain to get them back in every January with the snow.

Obviously you don't see the problem with the video. This world is made up of all types and you have your time expressing your opinion. By the way a few years back I was traveling down rt 17. This guy was pulling a quad on a trailer. He had shot a spike and sat it on his quad like the deer was riding it. He actually had the front hooves tied to the steering wheel and the head waved back a forth, was he from your camp?

and that bothers you?? and shooting the deer in the 1st place doesn't ??? ? please, GMAB. Many bow hunters let the deer bleed out for 3 hours before spooking it. Blur, Why even go down this road? There is nothing in that video to defend.

Cool, my dogs favorite chew toy is an antler. He has found only one in the woods. I really never trained him though.

Good idea, not that expensive either.

I take down all my portable stands this year we bought more ladder stands for the property. 1 ladder stand was left out all year from last season. Before using it I did a complete inspection and it was ok except for some squeaks that needed to be fixed. I heard some guys just loosen up the main strap and leave them out? What's your position on this. I personally don't like that cloth strap out in the elements all year.

Don't know him but have read that he gets things done and is a good choice! Congratulations.

Very true but all you guys who like to have guns for protection better know how to use them in a hostile situation. Split second thinking is needed and you need to train on how to handle yourself. Otherwise you may get killed.

Unlike us sitting at our computers, the DEC is in a position where it must not only manage the deer, but it has to manage the hunters. Their most important tool that has no replacement yet in managing populations, is the hunter. Their whole existance involves a balancing act between managing the herd and maintaining their hunter base so they can manage the herd. I honestly believe it is that reality that explains their current position on AR. I totally agree.. It is a balancing act and always will be .. but i personally think that the change would have to be drastic to decrease the numbers of hunters to the point where it would be a problem.. I don't hunt or not hunt because of the rules in place, I hunt because I love it.. and I'm sure thats th case for most of the hunters here..any decrease in hunter numbers over the years is more related to social differences that regulation changes. Absolutely, we are changing as a society and hunting I have to say is one part that is taking a hit. We as the statesman of this sport must do our part. Take a kid hunting and fishing. In some regions its worse than others but here in the NE it starts first. Like it or not.

That wasn't my qoute-don't know why it came up with my name????????? The reality is i called you on your bullshit and you dont like it. good job on your 8pt I droped a slamming 10pt, better luck next year fella

Bubba, We should all look at this as little pieces that help the bigger plan. Your idea would cost alot of money and really it could be spent better in other places. DEC is so strapped that even if they were to double or triple the staff to combat illegal poaching it wouldn't be enough. I never said a miracle fix was better soil, it helps grow bigger racks and better crops. Each little piece we push to help our deer in NYS is not the "fix all" but a stepping stone to a greater hunting experience in NYS. Happy New year all!

Bubba you kidding me? OK let's pay more taxes to support the DEC! Will I get a little decal to put in my window that shows my support? Really-come on. Oh, maybe we should erect 12 foot walls along rt 17 to stop the road kill in the southern zone that will help also.

Honestly I don't think they will do much of changing. More time with the crossbow after 2011 season is about it. This my opinion, It's pretty much OK the way it is, I enjoy the opportunity N.Y. offers me to harvest my deer.

"It’s never too late to start." The truth be told, nice article.

Cool picture that's some comparison.

I was up there and remember that it was way too cool. I actually spent so much time looking at the picts my dinner party thought I lost on the grounds. Lot of nice deer in there also, I believe you can hunt it, no?

Glad it's back, good way to spend a Sunday.

impressive, that's all I have to say!