philoshop

I'd like to think the latter, but the fact is that few voters in the US know enough to make the distinction between choice, and consent. Without a huge, sustainable. grass-roots effort there will never be an alternative in this country to 'what the curtain-twitchers' want: two parties, either of which will do their bidding. Most folks don't even know (or care) that they're being manipulated.

No one is allowed to become president if they're not affiliated with one of the two major parties. Those two parties are basically one and the same now, because they get their marching orders from the same powers-that-be. Thinking and acting "outside the box" in US politics today is simply not allowed.

At least Bernie openly calls himself a Socialist. I'll give him that. Others of his ilk hide behind the label of Democrat, which they were somehow able to co-opt for their own devices in the early to mid 20th century. Many seem to forget that Capitalism and the concept of free-market enterprise is precisely why we're not all still riding horses and using an abacus under the glow of an oil lamp today. The US was founded as the home of the free...free to think, free to innovate, free to produce. Put that freedom under the control of a central government and there will be little or no thinking, innovating, or producing. And there will absolutely be no personal liberty as we've come to know it. That's not how our government is supposed to work.

This is much more about 'hunter' management than it is about wildlife management. I have no doubt there are some insightful and capable people working for the NYSDEC, but in the end it's about politics, and having people do what they're told. These folks consider themselves grownups, but what they're saying is: "I'm not touching you. You can't get mad. I'm not touching you..."

Bottom line: it'd be a damned crappy way to treat an employer. Respect is always a two-way street.

Good question jrussell.. Draw when you have the opportunity. Basically, when the deer can't see you, and you also expect that it might come into range. You can always let it back down if things don't work out.

That smile says it all! I'm guessin' grandpa had a smile too. Nicely done!

15 years ago I would have built a couple for you, with the appropriate husband/wife two-off discount. Oak Orchard Canoe & Kayak is where you want to go. Great people that'll help you get the right stuff. They even have a pond where you can test drive. Happy paddling.

The only population being 'managed' by any of this is the human/hunter population.

People who live with pavement under their shoes trying to tell people with mud on their boots what's best for them. Really?

Anyone who thinks they're able to manage or manipulate the deer herd in this state from a desk in Albany is delusional. So yeah, that's exactly what they'll try to do. It's how bureaucrats think. The whole 'trophy' deer argument is not about the numbers of 'trophy' deer that can be grown. Those deer are out there, and they're watching your every move. This is about the accessibility of those 'trophies' for the people who are unwilling to work hard to get them. 'Trophy' hunting is supposed to be hard work. That's why it's called a trophy.

A decent set of check weights will help to ensure that a scale is 'honest' whether it's electronic or mechanical. Mandatory gear at my bench.

I never saw Buddy Rich play at a live venue. How about Cream? Or Traffic?

Earl Scruggs and Lonnie Flatt is a duo I'd like to see. Not my favorite music, but those guys could play.

They're smart, they're organized, and they're effective. Don't lightly dismiss the anti-hunters. And don't for one minute disregard what it is that they really want: Everyone rides a unicorn in their world.

I just need to get back to Bflo to see some of my old bandmates. SteamDonkeys, Flatbed, Band Named Sue... Check the lineups for street festivals and go check them out. Lots of talent, great people, and lots of fun. And if you find yourself at a beer tent with any of them, tell them Uncle Philo says hello.

Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan 'cuttin heads' together.

I'll go two-an-a-quarta, do I hear a twofiddy? No offense buddy, but count your blessings. I can't even draw a bow any more, so it's going to be camera season until gun rolls around. Pics are cool, but I depend on the meat too. I never thought that 56 yo would be my cutoff. Roll with what ya' got an' make the most of it.

Gillibrand is Chuck Schumer in drag.

Asking the bank teller for a McWhopper w/ cheese can be embarrassing. Handing your signed paycheck and a deposit slip to the Drunken Donuts cashier...priceless.

I had a lot of fun with the hornet on my contender many years ago, but I switched to the .221 fireball and never looked back.

Great stuff wooly, as always! Glad to see you're diggin' the new setup.

Thanks for asking Elmer. Construction work is busy, for a change. A pita, but it's better than thumb-wrestling with yourself. I've pretty much forgotten how to work my camera but I still walk around with it now and then. My best friend got married recently and I'm still recovering. I've cleaned most of the mud off my living room floor from the latest flood(s). Mowing has become a zen-like experience where I don't have to think about anything else. It's goin' ok.

I have always liked Foster Brooks' humor.

My only point was that ignoring politics doesn't make it go away.