Uncle Nicky

I think you answered your own question, a good sign that birds are in the area would be a lot of fresh scratching in the leaves.

It is a little of both, actually. You start by walking known turkey haunts, the dog sniffs them out (or spots them), I would imagine a flock of turkeys to a bird dog smells like a chicken coop would to our noses. Once located, it's game on, the dog rushes them, a good dog barks on the flush to let you know she has found them, and you can usually see birds sailing through the treetops. Fall birds tend to stay in flocks, so it's likely if you set up near the break sight, you can coax one in close enough for a shot by calling them back in when they eventually regroup. The toughest part is keeping the dog still once birds start coming back in, some guys will bring their dog back to the car while they are waiting for the birds to regroup, but the best dogs will sit fairly still while waiting for birds coming back to the scatter site.

I use a dog, it levels the playing field a lot. Without a dog, I would try to get some sort of pattern on them, such as are you hearing them at any time and location, or do you notice them coming or going from a field or somebody's yard right after sunlight or right before dark (if so, the nearest large trees SHOULD be where they roost). Do you notice a lot of footprints, poop, or feathers in a certain field, or a lot of fresh scratching in the woods? Do you notice them going for a certain food source? If not, the only other thought I have would be cover a lot of ground where you think they might be, hen call or kee kee periodically, and hope for some sort of response or sighting. If you do find a flock that's not running or flying off, bum-rush them and hope for a good scatter, you may be able to call them back in if you scatter them well. Good luck!

Looks good! I haven't killed a deer yet, probably won't until gun season, just can't find the time. I did have an old buddy kill a deer he didn't really want, so I took it off of his hands, spent most of yesterday's rainy afternoon processing it and listening to the Eagles win on the radio, a couple cold Bud Lights consumed also. Made Italian sausage, some jerky, and some keilbasi, ground the rest. Made chili last night at Casa Uncle Nicky! Jerky is in the smoker as I type.

Guys thinking it's OK to shoot hunting dogs or family pets that wander into the woods.

NJ bird, bearded hen (I think). Awfully fat head and large caruncles for a hen, but I have no other explanation. Another great October day in the turkey woods.

Try Slick Tricks, they shoot like field points (from my crossbow), and that is also their claim to fame. But make sure your shot is perfect, they don't have a whole lot of cutting diameter. I haven't had problems with shooting mechanicals from my crossbow, including Rage. I have an older Horton, quite a few deer have died with this bow, not especially fast, so maybe that is why mechanicals function well? BUT, I have heard a LOT of people complain about Rage also, so there must be something there....

My experience has been yes, rewarding, provided the student is teachable. When both my boys told me they weren't really interested in hunting any longer, I didn't get mad or try the hard-sell approach to change their mind, I knew it would not be fun for either of us if their heart was not in it. I haven't "formally" mentored anyone, but I have shown a few adults that were just getting into the game the ropes, I made them cut their finger and sign a contract in blood not to divulge my secret spots, LOL. But it's neat seeing them progress, move on, and fill their tags every year on a regular basis after they have graduated Uncle Nicky's boot camp. I'm also guiding some hunters this year for fall turkey (unpaid), I enjoy calling the birds in for them and my dog enjoys the extra action.

Hog Dawgs. Pretty girls with real southern accents, hunting dogs, and hog hunting. Anything else is just a disappointment.

I don't think how he is cocking the crossbow/lining up the string is the issue, since the OP said he was getting accuracy with field points. Sounds like the broadheads are the problem, and I agree mechanicals SHOULD solve the problem. Also, might want to look into smaller diameter fixed blades (like Slick Trick), only problem there is you then sacrifice cutting width for accuracy. Good luck!!

Who cares what you call it? I've heard Italians call it Marinara also, we all know what it is. Anyway, I HAVE seen carrots added and later pureed into the sauce. When I make it, I use a lot of onions, which seems to have the same effect of sweetening the sauce as carrots does, I have never had to add sugar. I WILL say that any sauce cooked with meat in it (meatbal fat, sausage, pig's foot, shoulder blade bone, etc.) seems to come out a little sweeter and well-rounded than sauce made without meat. YMMV.

Hunted near Cooperstown. Maizy was on her A-game, hunted with two turkey-dog newbies this weekend (father/son team), I think I have them hooked!!We were all tagged out by noon Saturday morning.

Post your pictures & stories here.

Good luck, and post a picture!!!

I'm assuming you want venison in the mix? 4lbs venison 4lbs pork shoulder 2lbs fatback or fatty pork trim 1/2 cup cold water 4oz salt 3T sugar black pepper, cayenne, and sage to taste. That is it. Grind the meat, add the seasonings & water. Either stuff into casings, or leave loose.

You have to understand, NJ is one of the most liberal states in the union. Not surprising that this knee-jerk reaction came next, and no, it is not good any time they take hunting priviledges or rights away.

Agree 100%.

Me and my second favorite girl!

I've had some of my best snoozes in a deer stand, especially on a warm sunny day. Sleep even better during spring turkey, leaning up against a tree on a warm sunny day after getting up at 4:00 AM.

Quick answer-yes. It works everywhere else, same as the Sunday Hunting debate.

Congratulations!

Looks nice!! Where did you kill this gator (state) f you don't mind me asking?

I'd consider it for exclusive rights to 1100 acres. Would I be able to wear a latex glove?

Yes, that happens a lot!! Squirrels move when they want, it is hard to put a real pattern on them, the only sure bet is when acorns, walnuts, or hickory nuts start falling, then they are on the move constantly. I will say that I've had my best luck between October & December, once it gets real cold out, they only seem to come out at sunrise & sunset. Good luck!

Stoeger Uplander 12 gauge shotgun. I've shot them with a .22 before, but somehow I always go back to the shotgun.