Early

pawle76.....Not sure about smallies in the Prattsville direction. Downstream, however, from the dam to the Mohawk River is smallie heaven. If you have not fished it....give it a try soon!

Oh, Puleeze Schanhu, get a grip. I wish ill on no one....not even the food plot gang....not even the trail cam cult...not even those who shoot a bow that looks like a fold up bike a clown would ride in a circus. Now, do I think there are those who are hunting that I would not call hunters??...Absolutely! But that is just my opinion, based on my perspective. We may not agree on this, but I wish you no ill. Perhaps that is the difference between you and me.

I guess I have nothing against catch and release......unless the "catchers" are doing so just to have something to brag about. I have been practicing "catch and release" with trout for years. Why....I'm not sure....except that I get more meat from bass, and they taste just as good, or better. My outing yesterday (which brought out some interesting nitpicking comments from some with guilty consciences) resulted in nine bass being released. So...yeah, I'm OK with catch and release. It is interesting that there are those who would attack me for clinging to my traditional values. It is really kind of sad that our youngsters cannot appreciate the values of their forebears. Those who would attack their elders deserve the compassion of the rest of us. Please forgive those who are so attached to modern techonology that they cannot appreciate those of us who cling to the past.

Nah...When/if they come up with a "Strawberry Blonde Finder", I will buy/use one.

Public Access Site, near Rt. 7.....Wanted to fish right in Middleburgh, but someone was already there. Many like to fish downstream of Rt. 20, but I am totally unfamiliar with that section of the stream.

I am not anti-technology. I just think the use of trail cameras to spy on game is not quite what I call hunting. Similarly, I don't think using fish finders is fishing. Just my opinion.

Touche'....I should have said same type of gear (Most readers would have figured that out!)

Actually, underwater cameras had let me know that some nice fish were in the area. Then a fishfinder told me exactly where to cast, using my $1000 fishing rig...NOT !!! I used the same gear...bait...and techniques I learned from my Grandfather over 60 years ago. Old Guys Rule !!!!

Fished the Schoharie Creek yesterday: Took 56 minutes to string my limit of FAT smallmouths, 15" - 17"...All caught on live bait: crabs and hellgramites. Caught 13 bass in all on probably my last day of fishing for the year.

I am reminded of a comment from my primary care physician, "I am loathe to put myself in the hands of a surgeon!"

For the record: Orthopedic surgeon wanted to operate on my shoulder. One of my athletes said, "Coach, don't do it!" So, I looked for an alternative......The exercises recommended in this book worked for me!

Get this book....Do the exercises: http://www.amazon.com/7-Minute-Rotator-Cuff-Solution/dp/0944831257/ref=sr_1_1/177-8272651-8329361?ie=UTF8&qid=1381709747&sr=8-1&keywords=7+minute+rotator+cuff+solution

tSK...tSK....Can't we all just get along?

No plants found....but I did find an area in the woods surrounded by deer repellent stakes. Somebody was trying to protect something.

Two suggestions: Forget the face mask...camo your face, particularly around your eyes, with a burnt cork. Place two turkey decoys well off to the side of your tree seat.

Best to hunt, is WHEN YOU CAN !!!!!

OMG....You guys are hooked...on technology! Why not just relax and enjoy hunting? Try it...you might like it!

There are many online sources for Permethrin spray...Walmart usually carries it. When spraying your clothes, remember to spray the first eight inches or so INSIDE each pant leg and each shirt sleeve. Also spray the inside of neck opening...waist band...pants fly...anywhere a tick might gain access to your body.

A miss...even three...is not the end of the world. Don't overthink this. You are human; a lot things can go to hell in the presence of a deer to cause a miss. Do go back and bag one today. Good Luck!

I have had most success with IC choke tubes...mixed success with rifled tubes.

Pygmy's #8 works for me...!!! Seriously: Eat less...walk/exercise more...scout while small game hunting...spent at least one session on the target range.

Ah...You would lose that bet: My two bows are a 50 yr. old recurve and a very early generation compound. Last few deer I have killed were with smooth bore shotguns, with no scope. But, I will agree that the hi-tech guys are hunters...just not old-fashioned hunters. And, that's OK....for them. Damn....Some of you guys rile easily!

Actually, I was just voicing my opinion. Those with differing opinions are free to voice theirs. One must wonder how far this newfangled "hunting" technology will go. Will future "hunters" sit in their game rooms and hunt with drones. Will trail cams one day come equipped with a "kill" option that will selectively shoot any deer that measures up to trophy standards? Seriously....What's next?

Unfortunately....NO. Too bad....I would have liked the hot blonde!!!

Unfortunately, what you describd is commonplace. Interestingly, the very best deer hunter I know is my grandson. At age 21, he has killed a bunch of deer, but he would never stoop to using trail cams...food plots...etc., etc. And, to him, every white tail killed is a trophy!