Uncle Nicky

I'm probably wrong. But I remember reading in the regs years ago that all packages needed to be labeled with backtag number, but maybe this was between third-parties, and didn't apply to the processor? At any rate, it seems to have changed now.

I know a little about meat handling...went to chef school, worked as a butcher 10 years in a store, ran a deer processing business for 15 years... First off, there is something off with the lighting and color in the photos, I highly doubt the meat turned that color in that short of time. Venison that isn't refrigerated quickly enough turns a green tinge and will smell gassy, not brown. If it looks and smells fine, it probably is. You'll know if it isn't within 24 hours of eating your first meal of it. As far as the cuts, looks to me as if the butcher gave you a lot of "chip" or "minute" steaks. He probably thought he was doing you a favor, since it's more time consuming than just wrapping roasts. I had a checklist that I went through when I had my business, I made sure I knew exactly what the customer wanted before they drove off. I was under the impression that in NY the processor was supposed to label all packages with the backtag number of the hunter who shot the deer, don't see that on the packages (I could be wrong, I ran my business in PA). I always wrapped my orders in freezer paper, I had rubber stamps and would label the cuts, number of pieces, and date packaged on the package. This was before vacuum sealers became popular. Wrapping in styrofoam trays & cellophane probably isn't the best method, especially if you want smaller portions.

I think MOST guys are good out to 50 yards with a slugger, but can hit a deer out to 150 with a rifle. I keep noticing less and less shots every year on opening weekend.

I feel a lot more proficient with a rifle. But judging by the sound of the shots I heard opening day, a lot of guys are still using their slug guns.

Never had any luck with any calls or rattling deer antlers, even in Texas where it's supposed to be foolproof. I just leave this stuff at home or throw it in the trash when it breaks and never replace it.

Rifle-dead-on at 100 yards. I recall reading years ago that your average rifle bullet will cross the same plane at 25 yards and 100, so if I get a new scope, I will start at 25 yards and adjust from there. Slug gun- dead on at 75 yards. Never owned a muzzle-loader, but I'd think dead on at 75 would be the way to go.

Another successful year at Camp-Hole-in-the-Wall in West Almond, Allegany county. Shot a spiker and a doe, my buddy Matt killed an 8-pointer WAYYYY back at the top of the mountain. 2 other guys left before it got good, shame on them.

I very rarely get in on drives. But to try and tell a state full of people how they should or shouldn't hunt is laughable at best. Buy a big parcel of land, post it off, put up a high fence, than you can make all the rules and be in complete control.

Double post, sorry.

Struck out during the abbreviated NY fall season, but got it done in PA yesterday. First bird I've shot over my dropper Maizy, she started breaking flocks at 8 months (11 months old now). SOOO proud of my girl!! My buddy I was hunting with also killed a fall bird. A day I will not forget for a long time!!!

Not so sure about a doe or yearling deer, but yes, a bigger deer or buck sometimes survives a 1-lung hit.

Most of the toys are gimmicks. Set up where you think the deer will be, and sooner or later the stars will all line up.

It all depends. I bought a Barnett when PA first allowed crossbows, it was pure junk, was in Florida with Barnett getting fixed more than it was in my posession. After a couple years of this, I threw it out, didn't have the consience to sell it to anyone. I bought a Horton next, and it's been working great for 6 + years, only repair I ever made was replacing the string. Both are economy crossbows. I know Horton is now owned by Ten Point and is their middle-of-the-road offering. I would probably buy a Wicked Ridge crossbow if I was in the market for a new one, I can't see spending $1,000 or more for a crossbow.

Using an old Savage Model 99, .358 caliber, with a 4X Bushenell scope. planning to only take 1 shot, ammo for this gun is expensive (if I can even find it)!

I'm guessing we're talking about bow hunting. I'm kind of impatient this way, about 1/2 an hour is all I can sit, before I walk over to the impact sight & start examining clues, I'll make my decision on whether to start tracking at that point. If I see the deer go down and it's not moving, I'll head over within 10 minutes, bow-in-hand, just in case.

If you ever get down to the Eastern shore of Maryland, check out the Ward Museum of Wildlife Art in Salisbury, the display at Blackwater Refuge, or the Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. Lots of history and exhibits of guns and equipment used during the market hunting days. Tons of decoys as well.

I'd go with 300 Win Mag or 30-06.

Sounds like you have your heart set on killing it with an arrow(s), but if it were me I would use a rifle. I shot one in my life, took two shots in the lungs with a 300 Win Mag to knock it over.

Yes

Shot the window edge of a tent blind firing at a turkey (more than once).

Sounds like a ked.

If you're sitting in a tree or in a tent blind, it's not really that important, concealing your smell and movement is more critical.

Darn, double post.

Never tried deer tongue, just looks too small to be worth the effort. But I DO love beef tongue. Every time I buy a side of beef I ask for the tongue, I have one in my freezer as I type. If you cook it fresh, it's good on a sandwich or in tacos, it tastes like roast beef just a little richer. Brined & cured tastes like melt in your mouth corned beef. No "bloody" taste like you get from hearts or livers. Actually, I'm getting the craving for a tongue on rye with Swiss cheese, mustard, & onions right now and it's 6:00 AM in the morning!!

I've been hunting with a crossbow over 10 years, so I think I know a little about them. VERY similar to hunting with a compound, you are slinging an arrow at a fast speed, you NEED to make a perfect shot in the heart/lungs/liver or things will go terribly wrong. Effective range is the same, 40 yards at most unless you spend a lot of time practicing. The upside I see is they are more accurate FOR GUYS OR GIRLS WHO DON'T PRACTICE. Also easier to get the drop on a deer, since you aren't using 2 hands and a lot of body motion to draw the string back. Anyway, that's my experience. Oh, and by the way, petition signed.