Daveboone

Why would you want to ?

Darn few bears are actually shot in NY by hunters "hunting bears". They are usually incidental to deer hunting. Without dogs or baiting, it is very difficult to pinpoint them without putting in alot of time. There are certainly areas where bears frequent, but usually they are neighborhood bears, and shooting them is like shooting cows in a farm yard. Keep in mind the avg bear shot in NY (and out of state) are usuallly what are most common: one and two year olds, 125-175 lbers. Spend alot of time driving back roads in potential bear country in the summer, looking for rural farms and orchards. Then knock on some doors, (probably alot of doors), to find farmers-growers who have beer problems in their fields and orchards, and are willing to let you set up a stand. Set up some game cameras along likely travel routes, etc. It is similar to plotting out a buck....except there are something like a thousand times more whitetail in NY than bears.

I started with 250 grain shockwaves and two 777 pellets, was very unhappy with accuracy. I moved up to the 300 grain shockwave with improved results, so decided to try 3 pellets. Accuracy went right in the hopper. I also could feel and hear the difference between rounds. With a little internet research, I found that others were having problems with three pellets burning consistently (I actually found one pellet lying on the ground about 15 yards from the rest- by the way, by far I find the Winchester 777 primers the best performing). I then dropped down to 100 grains measured of 777 and had much better performance than anything else up to this point and stuck with that. Next spring as time allows, I hope to chronograph the variance between the pellets and loose powder for performance.

I will pull a load if i realize that I didnt pop a primer first. It is probably the single easiest step to eliminating misfires. After cleaning your rifle, I allways pop a couple caps to remove any traces of oil or moisture from the breech, then run a patch. Then alllways without exception I pop a cap prior to loading, and between loads to be sure I dont have fouliing interrupting the spark flow. As well, I allways start my shooting with a primer fouled barrel, for shot consistencies sake. I have never had a misfire since I have followed this routine.

I shoot 777 with sabots currently, but if you are familiar with your black powder and patch and ball, dont sweat switching. I think it is still the most reliably igniting powder out there, and will certainly do the job. The newer powders are geared to making siighting in, clean up and the general learning curve easier. If you know what you are doing already, dont sweat the change.

Which ML season are you referring? Northern Tier, which is in October or Southern Tier, which is in December? By deep woods, are you thinking ADKs or southern tier state forest? Although it is possible to run into similar weather either place, the potential for trouble is greater in northern NY with its much more secluded areas and increased likelihood of unseasonable cold and snowy weather. I take it you are planning ahead for next year, as this year only has a couple days left. Regardless, basics II would be very confident in: Compass use (GPS is designed to be an augment to map and compass, not a replacement...as you quickly learn with dead batteries or thick overhead conditions that render them useless). Excelllent appropriate footgear becomes more important than when you are only out for a day or two. Totally avoid any cotton clothing: it absorbs moisture insteads of disperssing it, which will chill you. Learn to depend on the basics, and leave the toys at home. Make darn sure someone knows wherre you are going. Do not depend on cell phones for an emergency. Even the best reception companies are poor in most parts of the ADKs, Tug Hill, and rural hilly areas. Do not plan on having a fire for warmth or cooking. First, you dont want a fire in an area you are hunting. You dont want to spend time gathering the wood and tending a fire, and weather conditions may not allow you to even have one. A quality single burner stove is very compact, will heat your meal quickly , and can be safely used under a tarp (NEVER in a tent)....by the way...allways be sure you have an area for a tarp to cook under, keep gear in, stretch out under when it rains, etc.).

Last spring I macerated a bear skull- that is, soaked it in water and let the soft tissues rot off. Just fill a 5 gallon bucket with water, put the skull in and put a top lid on. Place it somewhere warm (at least where it wont freeze). I kept mine in the back shed about 3 months, then scoured it with a heavy brillo. Give it another month or so in a bucket with some strong detergent to get the grease out. I have previously boiled bear skulls, and they tend to shrink a bit. You still have alot of hard scrubbing to do. I found the macerating easier and did a better job. The teeth will all fall out though, so be careful to strain the gross water as you pour it out, or pull the teeth out when they come loose. Just use a little Elmers to glue them back in with.

My main deer hunting knife is my Buck 110 folder. Tough to improve on it for utility and edge holding. I have also cleaned many a deer with a good old boy scout knife and swiss army.

My grandfather used to use a ferret back in the 20s and 30s. Even then it wasnt legal. The animal they used was actuallly called a "fitch" and was not the same critter as you can buy in the pet stores now. They were semi wild critters, that you had a harness on, sent down the hole then pulled back up. The problem was you were never quite sure what else might be down the hole! Sometimes the fitch got ate instead! Not legal now, no special permits available.

I have been amazed by the number of posts on hunting/ shooting websites by individuals advocating minimal maintenance on their firearms (I do not mean to imply that with this thread). I have a couple friends who keep complaining of the need to clean their firearms, yet I am consistently asked to unfreeze or clean thier guns. I wipe mine down after each time the firearm is handles, and wipe the bore, thoroughly wipe the exterior with a gun solvent followed by oil after each firing, and probably once a year at least, go through the cabinet giving each a thorough breakdown and cleaning regardless. Several of my arms are over 60 years old, shoot as well as any, are 100% reliable, and never have and any rust.

No exceptionis: Only NYS residents may be issued (maybe) a pistol permit. You may not even have it in your vehicle or on your property. I agree with the previous post...a 12 gauge pump with a slug barrel will put a ANY handgun to shame. You have little to fear about your bear. I wouldnt cook on your porch (grill, etc) , keep a clean area (dont throw wash water, food scrap into the brush), or burn garbage. Anything like that will attract a bear. Any kind of dog (even effeminate ankel biters) will keep any bear away while you are there.

Its a matter of cash in hand. If you arent in a hurry and network, check the Swapsheet, ask around, visit garage sales, etc. 100.00 in your hand at the right time can get you alot of gun...sometimes a heck of alot of gun, depending on how bad the seller needs cash.You just have to be patient, and be ready to jump.

any flat or round nosed bullet should be fine. Rounds such as the 30-30 or 45-70 (common in the tube fed lever actions) usuallly are listed as such in the reloading manuals. I have never seen a relaoding book list a pointed bullet (unsure if the newer ones list the Leverevolusion rounds).

I purchased a new Redfield for my inline last fall, and was very dissatisfied. Clarity was not up to what I expected, the crosshair adjustments were not as definitive as the Leupolds I own, and it was not as precise in adjustment as I am used to. I recently returned it to Cabelas and for the same (actually less) money bought a Nikon Prostaff. Last year I sighted in two friends rifles with these scopes and was very impressed. The 2-7 I mounted also was great. Better clarity, adjustments tight and precise, Regardless of the Redfields being made by Leupold, they are not Leupold quality in my opinion.

Both the Remington and Savage are fine guns. Within the money you are talking, you wont have any problem finding a good rifle. As mentioned, T/c also has a fine bolt action. I prefer Rugers, which you might want to look at (I am not sure of their current prices). I also agree the package deals scopes tend to stink . I recently sighted in 3 different rifles purchased as a package, with their scopes. ALL 3 had defective scopes out of the box, and were replaced. In each case, we put Nikon Pro staffs on (a relatively inexpensive, but excellent quality scope). I agree that the best thing you can do is handle each rifle side by side if possible, and compare features and fit. Functionally in the field, most likely you wont know the difference in firing or general dependability. The Weatherby I had (sold) was far from the most accurate or dependable arm I have owned. Thus it is down the line. Brownings are also expensive, but they also produce a lower end line than they used to, and fit and finish I have found to be no better than many other guns for less money.

Give a call to the DEC or stop in the regional office in Syracuse to get a brochure on Happy Valley. It will give a detail of the area. You can also buy the Geological Survey maps for the area (2 maps) which will help you greatly. It took us a number of years to learn the area effectively, but it is worth it. I dont have a chance to do much more than drive through it a couple times a year nowadays. You can also google earth Churchill Rd and Happy Valley Rd. in Oswego County for a good view. Both roads pierce the rea north to south, and are almost entirely public lands throughout.

I have been delighted to see the increase in otters through the Tug Hill region. They originally were reintroduced with the assist of trappers not so long ago, and seem to be thriving. Near home (southern Oswego County) I have seen them cross the road several times. Two years ago I watched a very large one exploring near a stream while deer hunting. To the unfamiliar, I was struck by the resemblance to a panther! large thick tail, sinewy body, smallish head - but the short stubby ears and legs are easy to differentiate. I am sure some of the "Cat" sightings are mistaken large otter sightings. Yesterday only about 5 miles from Watertown we had a baby otter cross the road very leisurely, mid day. (no, not a fisher, martin, etc. Very distinctive different body types) It was only maybe24" from nose to tail. I was surprised no parents with it, but I dont know how long they stay with them.

Hunting camp in Lorraine.

My .308 scope, .300 Win Mag, and 45-70 scopes are all machined steel mounts (Leupold), I did not use Lock-tite on them, and in 25 years havent had to touch the .308 (my oldest) or the others (several hundred rounds through each). I have started to put Lock tite on my newest arms ...I guess just because. I do tend to agree that I think the aluminum mounts being of softer matereal could be more prone and probably benefit more. What the heck, I guess. Use it, check the screws often, and never have a problem. When we do have a problem it is usually discovered in the field, not at the range.

Venison Stew, Chili, blackberry cobbler,

I think all of us match the description more and more as we age. Individuals who are good company and contribute who match your description are invited back. Dead beats, drunks or grumps are not invited back (or if its their camp, you dont go back).

Prices vary, as said...greatly. Generally the more you pay, the better the job. Compare work with as many taxidermists as you can. Make sure they have the animals on display you want done. Be sure also, that the taxidermist does all his own work (some have more than a little help from friends who want to learn it...i have learned the hard way). Ask how long he has been in business, how many mounts he has done. I have one taxidermist who does some work for me which is good- and fairly priced, and another who does outstanding...and is significantly more. It depends on how much I value the trophy.

Most of my life I happily bragged of being immune to poison ivy, then about 10 years ago (I am 50 now) I drastically learned that I was no longer immune! Even if you think you are, dont act like it. It can (and according to my doc)and probably will change to being allergic. And it isnt really an allergy, it is a reaction to the toxins in it. Regular water does not wash it off if exposed. Poison Ivy also climbs on trees, as my border trees attest to. Round up works pretty good on it. Never weed wack it- it sprays the juice into the air and will cover you more than if you picked it up. I dont think it is any more prevalent, just alot more fallow land and overgrown areas than there were a few decades ago.

Contact the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation for info on public lands in the area. There are tens of thousands of acres of public land within an hour of the Rt. 81 corridor through northern NY (not even including the Adirondacks). Happy Valley is over 6000 acres, and up on the Tug Hill you have the Winona State forest, Little John WMR, Lakeview Marsh, and many others. NY is rich in public lands- at one time a hunting zoo, but over the last 20 years, generally thinly hunted. Fishing opportunities are far beyond what most out of staters can comprehend. Lake Ontario offers Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake trout, bass, walleye, and all sorts of panfish. There are more small lakes and river access than can be listed- Foremost the St. Lawrence River, about an hour north, the Salmon River, Black River, Oswego River, Black Lake, Oneida Lake, and many different trout streams scattered around. Deer hunting is generally woods hunting on public land. You need to work for them, but they tend to run big. Alot of public land being close by, it makes it easy to do plenty of scouting.

Great book. The family has a long history in the Maine woods well before then, too. Another great book is "Hunting Big Woods Bucks, by ....Blood (last name), another north woods guide. I wish Ihad the time to put all those books teach into practice.