philoshop

The right skills, and the right attitude! A good compass, some water, and a knife. I tend to keep it light. I can go back to the truck for anything else when the need arises. Oh, and TP. Besides the obvious reason, it's great for marking blood trails and I don't have to go back and pick it up. Please don't leave your plastic flagging tape in the woods. Even if I don't see it, my camera always does.

Excellent advice. I would add: Learn how to pay attention, and then pay very close attention and learn from nature and from your experience every time you're out.

Grow, I got zebra as well. Maybe I'll see ya in the herd some day! My first thought when I saw the stripes was, "Hmm, prison inmate?" lol

Very sweet story! Thanks.

That can be a huge step towards gaining access to some primo property, and maybe making a friend in the process. OTOH, I've had some problems in the past regarding these permit situations. Mostly involving some of the 'qualities' and attitudes of the other hunters. When phrases like "fill the truck" and "stack 'em like cordwood" become the MO, even normally decent folks can become a little whacky.

I'll look into the Master Forge. Thanks for the recommendation! I've never had a real smoker, just the weber kettle. Works great for hot smoking using indirect heat, but limited rack space. I'm thinking about partially smoking some venison this year before I freeze it. Like the steaks that I use for stews, and the roasts, both of which end up in the crock when it's miserable and cold outside. Just thinking it would add a nice flavor to the mix and help me to think of summer when it's zero degrees out. Any thoughts on this idea?

Sounds great everybody!! I'll try to get to those chops tonight if the rain holds off. Bon Appetit

Work called:(( No venison chops on the girl and no visit to Fox Run for garlic:(( Or is that girlic. Tuna sandwich:(( The second( is my mustache, in case you're wondering. I've exceeded my 'likes' for the day, so I'll get you guys tomorrow.

The mud-squish is deceptive. Normal-ish, I'd say.

That photo makes my mouth water!

Fox Run is 5 miles down the road from me. Very nice place. I forgot about the garlic fest this weekend. Have to run down and get myself some G for the venison chops tonight! If you're ever in the area, PM me and we'll get together for a bit. They used to do one on the lakefront in Geneva, but I haven't heard anything about this year. Lots of tasty fun. After a quick search, it seems like they've combined the two events. http://www.foxrunvineyards.com/events-garlicfestival.asp

Thanks Wooly.

A good friend of mine lives in Lexington, KY and drove up here to get good hard-neck starter bulbs a couple of years ago. We had fun while he was here, don't get me wrong, but he came for the garlic. He does seasonings and rubs for cooking (as a sideline business) and he said that NY bulbs are some of the best. I don't know anything about it, but it was nice to hear that from someone who knows. Best of luck to all you garlic growers out there. The stuff from the grocery stores isn't worth the shelf space they have for it. Farm markets and friends, or I do without, but I don't like cooking without good garlic. Might have to learn to fend for myself.

Got this guy today in the top of a big old white oak. I really wanted a shot of him taking flight. Of course that happened when I tried to sneak around a small bush to get a better angle. Shoulda stayed where I was. Any idea what the smudge is at 1:30'ish in this one? I cleaned everything but the sensor today and it's still there. Nothing I could see with a magnifier on the sensor either. It's only noticeable with an even-color background, but it's gonna bother me if I lose a good photo because of it. Thanks, Mark

Wow!! Pretty nice surprise.

Never heard of them either, but it sounds pretty cool. Keep us posted.

The first few times can be tough. Lots of learning to do. Stick with it and you'll figure it out though, even if you have to do it on your own.

Welcome aboard! Lots of good folks and good info here.

For cryin' out loud, I'm pegged already! I'll try to keep the theme going. You already have the best butt-shot that will ever be taken. d3000 and a 55-200vr lens. That was the budget balance for me. And I learned a lot about the camera today. I'm happy with that. Pretty sweet shooter all around. BTW, I missed the fox shot because the nikon lenses zoom the other way. Old habits die hard...

goofin' around with the new camera. Other than a few bugs, flowers, and a really blurry fox that tried to run over me, this was my day in photography. Alas, no deer. Now I have to pick some briers outta my hide and check for ticks. I had a great day!

I've been heard from.

Nice video. The guy's a heck of a shot.

Don't forget the Erie canal trail(s). Not much for panoramic views per se, but scenic and very interesting if you know some of the history.

Chapeau par excellence!! Scent will make 'em run every time. Movement will make 'em run half the time. Just being there will make 'em run sometimes. (If it was easy, it'd be called shopping.) Noise will make 'em curious, but, human type noise will put the other two senses on full alert. Best be on your game for that! Any two of the above, in combination, will also make 'em run every time. Plan accordingly.

Without having full transcripts of the conversation in question we cannot at this time make a determination as to whether or not the subject of this inquiry has or has not.......... You had a good talk with your doctor. Hope you heal soon.