DirtTime

I really can't 'sum-up' my season. In many ways it sucked! But there were some high points as well. Crappy weather all but killed my bow season. Some areas I like to hunt were under water then iced over with the cold, deer weren't moving in the areas I had patterned them in. The gun seasons? Had some highlights, and again some lows. Jumping a doe withing 40 yards of me still hunting made me realize, just because it looks clear, doesn't mean it is. I loved being out there, I loved getting the wife out there teaching her more. I had the privilege of being able to hunt, and I saw deer, I let a few get a pass, I froze my ass off on a few bow hunts in the late season, and I still have a hard time using my left hand, I'm guessing a slight bit of frostbite. ( Using a tennis ball to get the strength back ) So I really can't sum up my season as some would. I hunted, I did not hunt as hard this season as in the past, but I did get out there whenever I could. Now to focus on next season. A week at IL next October, and I think I will do a few days at Schodack Island this year camping/hunting the bow season. I thought about this a couple years ago, and bailed, but I think I will do it for 2019.

Yeah, Albany County won't be so forgiving. I don't like living this close to Andy's second largest fan base. But, it is what it is, and I don't see me going anywhere. The wife's all about family, and I respect that. Back and forth with the mag issue. I just have to sit down and really think about what I will use the rifle for. Going AR10 in .308 even on a build will be out of my price range. So, I am going .223. Not the best deer round, but can and will kill deer if I do my part. Like I said, after the holidays I can sit down and put far more thought into this. I honestly do appreciate the feedback.

I learned, just this morning, that hunting in very cold temps in high winds with a bow sucks! I learned a few other things about the land I hunt, but the above was the hardest lesson I learned.

I managed about an hour after legal shooting time this morning with the bow. It was 3* when I left the house, steady wind of appx 20MPH gusting to close to 40, so it was more like -10* at times, I am ot used to bow hunting those temps. I did actually let a small 6 pass as I was shivering, and the adrenaline of seeing a buck in shooting range made the shakes/shivers worse. I used my better judgment that to take the shot and risk wounding or loosing that deer wasn't worth it. I did learn a thing or 20 about some of the public land I hunt, so even with tag soup, I have hopes for next season. Time to hit the maps to gear up for my trip to IL next year. My last sit, on to bushy tails. I again want to congratulate everyone who filled a tag.

I may take you up on that if I go with a build, and thank you for the offer.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I found a lot of mixed reviews on the Diomandback, still not sure what direction to go. I just know this is rattling in my brain like a train. I know a build on a solid AR15 can be a lot cheaper then buying even a middle of the road rifle. The thing that also keeps going through my head is to pin or not to pin the mag. I got used to the 'spur' on my M&P15 pretty fast, but I hate how it looks, LOL. Once the holidays are over and I check the budget I will decide what road I want to travel. I just know it will be one or the other. Have to get this done before they are banned and I have to have a boating accident.

Glad everything is OK. Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

Decided to put a couple in a target.

I went really different tonight. We had some ground pork I was trying to figure out how to prepare. So I made mini pork meatballs, rice noodles, veggies, in a Kung Pao sauce. Also store bought egg rolls. Sent from my SM-S327VL using Tapatalk

No, I beg too differ. You miss the point. While I agree about the BS with gun laws, I do not agree that the government is pushing booze. But, you have your own opinions, and to be frank, they come off as you don't want anything in the USA you don't approve of. You supremacists don't enjoy life or the outdoors. Keep talking and posting, because big brother is now watching everything you post! I also want to comment that I no longer respect anyone on the Right who talks shit but doesn't have the balls to stand behind their convictions, and show their face! Are you an Antifa coward or Pro America?

So what's the grievance? You want to ban booze like Coumo wants to ban guns? Just because you say booze kills? So do guns in the wrong hands. If your not responsible in the things you do that's on you! Not the populace! You really are reaching now! Another prohibition? Here's why this won't work! Politicians can't charge $10,000 per plate serving sparkling water and apple juice! FYI, it doesn't matter the side! Left or Right, they do the same to get votes! I am not a fan of our GOV, but I sure as hell don't blame them for peoples personal choices to break laws. Just another conspiracy theory.

I would be hitting the woods, but I understand where you are coming from. I froze my butt off again this morning to see nothing, not even a tree rat. I only have one more day out, either tomorrow or Sunday, have to shift some dumb holiday crap around to which day. Either way, I will go freeze and use a chisel to free my chestnuts from the tree stumps one last time.

I was busting your chops. Figured you would be out with your magic bow in your blind as well.

Well, I drive a 20 year old Jeep. My teeth are yellow from chain smoking and chewing tobacco/snuff, and drinking loads of coffee in the past. I live in a trailer in a park that I like to call a "mobile home in a community", but I don't kid myself. I found a way to wear camo at my wedding, I have a camo watch. About the only place I am not miserable is when I am in the woods. Since leaving city life 3 1/2 years ago I try like hell to avoid going to any of them anymore. I like to drink beer, and on occasion it's bottom of the barrel stuff. I still use insulated underwear and sweat-pants as base layers. I wear jorts and cargo shorts/pants. Along with a much larger list I could mention. But..... No, I do not think of myself as a redneck. Country boy, f*&^ yes!

Leftovers as the wife is working late. Sent from my SM-S327VL using Tapatalk

Yet here we are posting on the WWW! It's not the programs or sites, it's the algorithms they put into place on sites that track everything you do! You can hide, try to be anonymous and try to hide behind a VPN, but make no mistake, Big Brother sees everything you do! You really think you are safe with your political stance because you don't post a pic of yourself? Your mistaken! Every time you hit an ATM your pic is captured! I find it hilarious that people think the 'Powers That Be' don't know what you look like. I also find it repulsive that that people on a hunting site don't hunt and just post this bull shit all the time!

Best of luck you this weekend!

Sorry you dad is in a lul right now. Maybe you can get out there with that magical Mathews that has shown no magic, but may start a spark in the late season?

Congrats on the late season deer to all! But, why is no one out with a bow? I was out this AM, and let me tell you it was FKN cold! Sorry, no pics or vids. I have two Dr.s appointments tomorrow, so no hunting. I want to get out Friday for my last deer hunt of the season. If I get out it will be with my bow. Lets go people! We have a few days left! Lets get out there with those bows! Your not filling a tag sitting on the couch, and sure as hell aren't filling a tag being obsessed by the political section!

So a neighbor stopped by and asked if I wanted a front leg of a deer he shot. I said "Hell yeah" and it's now in the freezer.

I'm thinking same deer from pics, and that sucks! I can't stand poachers! I have no respect for any of them! Pulling crap like this, hunting with lights, hunting un-posted land without permission, they are all scum bags! First offense if convicted, $5000 and loss of license for 5 years! Second offense, $10,000 and loss of license for ever! To bad that won't do any good, scum will alway do what scum does! Glad this puke was caught.

Just scarfed down a taco with Mighty sauce while cutting up a front deer leg a neighbor gave us. Sent from my SM-S327VL using Tapatalk

Congrats!

Congrats! Don't forget that lifetime license!

So, I get up this morning, head to one of my spots ( knowing it's mainly still under water, meaning a lot of ice, but one always has to try ), after not breaking my neck on the ice in some areas walking in before dawn, I take a seat until it gets light. Then I ease my way back out and head for home. I stop to get a coffee to warm up, and while getting the coffee I decide I'm not bailing on the day, and decide to hit another public spot to do some still hunting. Usual slow walk up the mountain, a few steps, look for a while, repeat. I get to the top, and start my slow circle around an open area doing the same, a few steps, look for a while, move. I get about half way around the open area, I look around for some time, and in this area, I always spend more time looking then walking, at least it seems like that to me. I decide to try and get a video clip of the area, I reach in my pocket for my phone and a Doe jumps and bolts from my left into the thick and nasty. I had no shot even if I dropped the phone. Also, I do not shoot at running deer! Period! I looked that area over very closely, I never saw her laying in the med brush, she didn't even twitch. So just remember folks, when still hunting, if you think it's OK to move, take a few more minutes and look closer!