Daveboone

I have a new deer rifle...a Mauser m18 in .308 that I will be final sighting in the very near future. The area behind me was logged last winter (2019/2020) and I am eager to see what it will draw this year.

Have you ever bushwacked in to the old Kenwells site? I havent in years, but at the time (early nineties) there was alot of relics/foundatioons, etc. to explore. I would like to find more about the sites history, but it is tough to find more than just bits and pieces.

Alot to do around Niagara Falls. Viewing the falls/visitor center, Buffalo has a great zoo (polar bears!), Cabelas and the Seneca Casino right near the falls. It is an easy w/e getaway without too much driving. Last year pre covid we went down to PA. A bit more driving, but we really enjoyed Valley Forge, Cabelas has a big store, Amish country, etc. Philadelphia has alot to do also...of course the normal historic stuff, but the Philadephia Art Museum is amazing, and it is easy to spend a whole day there. The ancient Eastern State Penitentiary was somewhere the wife wanted to see (ghosts, etc.) but it was fascinating. Heck , we have discovered that it is possible to jsut pick a direction and a destination, then google the local chamber of commerce for events/etc. and it is always easy to find a good time. So much the better if the weather is good.

Looks like alot of fun! Do you have to compete in both the archery and ML?

Be patient...The bucks can cover alot of ground. If you are finding sign, esp. both old and new sign with bedding, food areas known, etc. sometimes you just gotta plop your butt down and sit...sometimes alot for a long time. Game cameras can be your friend.

Just remember no matter what deer sign you see, you build and you totally change the deer movement...sometimes to nothing. I dont think I would be all too wild about the corn on the three sides. I think you could easily drive the deer out of your area and they have no where to go...but gone.

I would start by calling your family doc. He will be able to steer you toward your counties sources. At this time it is likely you will have an appt for at least a couple weeks down the road, and they will schedule your 2nd shot at the time of your first. By chance are you a veteran? if so you can call the VA for an appt.

I cant say anything about the price, it is so dependent on where it is....It would be outrageous for where I am (tug hill). I would call neighbors and be honest...you are looking at the property, and inq. about any security, water, etc. issues. I did so when I bought, and the local folks were fine to talk about it. It wouldnt hurt to inquire with the local police barracks about particular problems. They are everywhere, but some areas worse than others.

This is the time of the year to hit the woods....you can see through a long range of woods, find the long term tracks, still find the mast trees and food sources...as well as more easily see others tree stands/sites.

I have hunted it frequently in the past, work and live in the area. There is a deer population, but the surrounding area is quite populated. I wouldnt choose to deer hunt there, but I am thinking that archery season could be productive. There is ALOT of access to the land. During small game season it is is very active with bird hunters, getting a good stocking of pheasants. You mention "The house is close"....so you live nearby? Have you been out on it at all? Get out and wander it. All of it. This is the season to start. If I lived closer, I would be there very frequently walking the dog, just tromping etc. As you probably know there are roads/paths all through out it to explore.

I have a list of all my arms with thier histories, serial numbers, where acquired, etc. As well, I have noted what should happen to the arm if I pass, and I have the names of auction houses I have worked with for her to contact. I keep it maintained on my computer and keep a printed copy in our safe. Very sadly, there is no one in our family who shares my love of heritage and hunting/arms, so my first directive (with several arms excepted) is my closest friends each have a pick, with particular arms already designated.

I dont worry about it other than when I am up there to actively hunt. If the dogs are around throughout the year the deer get used to the scent. We are all woods, so the likelihood of the dogs seeing a deer to chase is minimal. The deer are much more alert and stay away. Occ. at night when we let them out I know they spot deer...they take off like a bolt. They are Rotties, so they dont go far and the deer have them way outclassed. No concerns about the deer for hunting season at all, but when I am up there hunting (and my dog always goes with me) I keep her close to the camp. If i let her out to pee, I go out with her and keep a closer eye on her.

A stock raised deer is just...live stock. One high fence outfit will buy from stock farms to stock their own lands, certainly landholders who can afford to high fence thier property will stock the same way. In some circles "mine is bigger than yours" is all that counts, doesnt make any diff. to the taker how they get it. Just the same trophy deer mounts sell at auctions to get mounted on some liars wall, or some folks just want them for the decoration.

Hmmm, I will have to do an inventory when I get home tonight...

I have and have red his book several times. Great stuff. A real woodsman.

Mein gott! what the devil were you sniffing? Monkey poo? Sweat? Bananas?

Okay, I will admit my wife and I love them. We are both huge fans of the old monster flicks (although I can do without the cartoonish child oriented Godzilla flicks (Godzilla vs the Smog Monster!). They fall under the category of Popcorn Movies...saturday afternoon fun flicks. No thinking required. I do remember thinking as a kid though, how wimpy are the Japanese when their idea of a monster is a huge butterfly (Mothra)?

Started handloading for .357 and .38 sp about forty years ago, now I load for pretty much all centerfire cartridges. .38, .357 m. 9mm, 45 acp, 30-30, .308, .270 Win., 8x57 Mauser, 45-70, 22-250. I am hoping reloading supplies start loosening up, I am just getting into .270 and need powder, projectiles and primers (I figure I am ok for my other calibers, but dont want to get into a new load without replenishing the stock).

Buy as big as you can...you will use it, but try to plan for placement in an out of the way dry place...foolish to display it prominently in a hallway or living room. Just as important...make sure your home itself is as secure...deadbolts, windows that cant be accessed, basement doors /windows to pop open, etc. It only makes sense to secure your HOME first, and then get the guns secured (of course reversed if you are worried about people/kids inside the house).

Do you sell certified organic lint? And also, I am allergic to wool....

Ive had porcupine several times. Quite a meaty critter. Best barbequed, very fatty. You need to be careful because with all the fat, if you dont do alot of trimming, it burns easily. Actually tastes alot like woodchuck, and similarly muscled.

I like it!

It is distracting to get used to the 1800s style of writing, but otherwise pretty good. Written in the same era, Moby Dick is also a great read, and much easier and fun to read.

I started reading "Last of the Mohicans" recently...gotta get back to it.

I love historic fiction, and recently have been spending alot of time reading Chris Durbins series o Carlisle and Holbrook...two officers in the British Navy during the time period of the French and Indian war (between France and Britain over possession of Canada, mostly). the most recent three books specifically, including the current book I am reading "The Niagara Squadron" follows the conquest of the French possessions from the campaign for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland up the St. Lawrence seaway to Montreal and Quebec, and Lake Ontario. The current book follows the path of the Brits going up the Hudson, Mohawk river to Stanwix, to Oswego, then the campaign to capture Fort Niagara. Great story and characters, and I love the details for the local area which are spot on....my stomping grounds. As well, it explores a lot of the politics with the Iroquois and the confederacy for the time period. Great stuff.