SteveMcD

Although I live in Dutchess County I normally hunt the northern Catskills and Taconics for Ruffed Grouse. But, I am wondering if there are any grouse and woodcock numbers in Putnam County areas worth trying. I have overlooked Putnam mainly because Dutchess grouse numbers are almost non existent.

Thanks!

Hello everyone. A friend of the family gave me an old Fishing Guide, published by Abercrombe & Finch Co., Madison Avenue ,New York, New York. It is titled, "Nearby Trout and Bass Waters New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. There are no publish or copyright dates in the booklet that I can find. But it does show State License Fees. It shows New York Fishing License Fees at $1.65 and combined Hunting & Fishing License Fees at $2.25; and references the New York State Conservation Department. So I am trying to establish some kind of date reference for this document, on when it was published, somehow.

I have hunted Partridge Run quite a bit. Are there any other areas worth exploring for Grouse in Region 4. Either East or West of the Hudson. Happy Holiday's!

I've been Grouse hunting there for 20 years. They are there, but you will have to work for them. There are also old apple orchards and forest regeneration areas that have been developed between the DEC and the Ruffed Grouse Society, I usually find grouse in these second growth aspen stands. I

As a 20 year + Hunter Ed Instructor I watch for Everything! Blaze Orange or not! I have not hunted there in 15 years, they used to take some nice bucks every year out of those swamps on Wilbur Flats Road. This is my last year in New York and I always wanted to bushwhack the other side of the mountain from Wilbur Pond that heads over towards Hicks Hill Rd. So going to give it a try. I think. Thanks.

BKLN.. thanks. That's good to know. I have a Blue Toyota RAV4. I was thinking of heading up the other side from Wilbur Pond.

Has anyone hunted the Lafayettevile WMA on Rt 199 in Pine Plains this year? May head up there for the Late Muzzleloader Season.

State Forest along the Shawungunk Ridge should be huntable. Not a bad area. Camping is allowed - no fees. However, the trail is managed by the NY-NJ Trail Conference and part of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail System (possibly the Long Path). So it likely sees some Hikers. Yes - there are quite a few Black Bear in this area.

I have to agree with NFA-ADK & First Light.... Coyote populations just like other predators are tied to the amount of available food in the area. Less game equals smalller litters. Coyotes get a bad rap, they are no more opportunistic than any other predator. Coyotes take 2 fawns per square mile per year. Black Bears take one fawn per square mile and Bobcats take one fawn per square mile. I see our local coyotes on occasion in the morning on the way to work, usually mousing in a field, or not for from someone's chicken coop! LOL!

Hi, Lawdwaz... yes.

Yup.. Ol Wille has got to eat too! “We reached the old wolf in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes. I realized then, and have known ever since, that there was something new to me in those eyes—something known only to her and to the mountain. I was young then, and full of trigger-itch; I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters' paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view.” – Aldo Leopold

Historically, the argument is not fiction. It actually occurred as a matter of fact. And the student was Albert Einstein.

Not me! Longbow Only... 40+ years. I have to agree with everyone's comment about weight. 45# is more than enough. Arrows... you can get the "Trad" lites in carbon from Arrow Dynamics.with wood grain they look very traditional.

Clayshooter... the medal of St Hubert! I like that! I found the link, and yes the test is 3 out of 5 in a 9 inch plate at 25 yards. http://parks.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/hunter_application

Is anyone familiar with the Westchester public parks bowhuner-archery proficiency test? Most public land areas in Westchester that are open to bow hunting require a proficiency test for prospective bow hunters.

Hi Rob.. where exactly is this "healthy wild bird population". I have not seen good numbers of grouse or good flushing rates in over 20 years! But I get out after the big game seasons and try my best.

I had a chance at a nice buck on Friday morning. But it was not a chip shot and he had a doe standing directly behind him. I choose to wait for a better (more ethical) shot opportunity, but it never came. TODAY I was pissed. the local dirbags on the adjoining property were having a field day. I never heard such rapid fire out of a muzzleloaders in my life! Will be heading out tomorrow, my final day of a long memorable season.

I'll be out 4 days straight - Friday through Monday. Muzzleloader & Longbow.

Nice pics! Proof they're in there! One thing I learned about Fahnestock years ago. Get off the trails, Hike the ridges and saddles, and try and find where they are feeding.

Well Done! Congrats to you both!

Good Luck, BH! I won't get out until Friday now, then I plan to hunt 4 consecutive days with the muzzleloader. Late Season hunting over rubs and srapes is over, need to hunt sign (fresh tracks & feeding areas). We shall see!

I'd be interested in seeing some reports myself. I hunted Fahnestock a few times this year. Been a pretty lean year. I saw one deer in four trips there.

Good Luck!

I have the Marlin 512 Slug Gun which has done me well. I bought the 870 Slug Gun for my son years ago. Another gun good. I have the Winchester 1300 for Upland and love it. ( Ihave an Urgetecha Spanish Double Side by Side 12 Ga. but for hunting I favor the Winchhester 1300. Years ago I had a Stevens Pump 20 Ga in Modified choke. It was a fine gun, regretted trading it ever since.