grampy

Nice!!! That is all you need, and will do a great job cleaning up your casings!!!

Well.......since so many people I know are now coming down with Covid. Both at work, and my private life. I think it would be prudent to hold off on any GTG for the immediate time being. Will see what the situation is in a few weeks. Not canceling this GTG! Just postponing it for just a little bit. My hope is that delaying a little bit, will make for a better turn out!

Meat Bags you say????..............hmmmm............. Might be worth making a road trip!!!!

Thanks Matt! If you happen to see Chris or Amanda, see what they can do to accommodate us?? I will also try to contact them by phone, to set up a date.

For each and every hunter........"Shoot What You Like! Like What You Shoot!". I've said this many times. Never be caught up in what others do, or don't do. It will only take the fun out of it for you. The reasons why we are all out there, are as individual to us, as our fingerprints. No two reasons for hunting are exactly the same. We all have different goals and situations, that are unique to US!!! Do whatever makes YOU happy! In the time YOU have to enjoy the hunting season. It's YOUR time! Make it good time! Even if you don't see a deer. The time spent with others, or by ourselves in the woods, should always be cherished, regardless if we kill a deer or not. It's that time spent in nature, that makes us hunters. Not the size of the rack we drag out. When I first started deer hunting, it was a time to celebrate if ANY deer was taken! Now days, there is too much media hype,and a certain amount of "pressure" to shoot huge racked bucks. Why though? Every deer, is an accomplishment to be proud of! I feel it's wrong to talk down on anyone else's accomplishment!!! From a doe fawn, to a booner, they are all accomplishments to be proud of. As we hunt more, sometimes our goals will change, and we may want more of a challenge. I get that. I try to challenge myself to shoot at least a two or three year old buck. But that's just what makes ME happy! I am just as happy for the hunter who shoots a button buck. And in no way do I feel superior to the hunter that put that nice tasty meat in his freezer! We are BOTH happy! But putting shame on what any other hunter kills, or doesn't kill, is to lack in a true hunter spirit. Just the opinion of an old and sometimes not so wise huner................

Dinsdale has many African trips under his belt, and I'm sure he can, and will give some tips. It's on my bucket list after retirement, to accompany him on an African adventure!!!

As for gutting, most times it's done in the field right away. But sometimes, we will get the deer to the hanging/skinning shed and gut it there. But it's always done asap. That works for me. Have had to retrieve deer left overnight on rare occasions. And the neat was fine. Gutting this year's buck with my partners help.

Begin???? They've begun already!!!! For the most part, I'm trying to just tune it all out, and keep with the positive.

Sounds like the trip of a lifetime! Wishing you good travels and great hunting! Looking forward to the pic's!

I do like the changes made in legal hunt times this past season. That said, it didn't benefit me much, as the deer stuck mostly to very thick cover on our property. Those very thick areas get dark much sooner than the more open hardwoods or fields. Like others have said, had there been snow on the ground, it would have helped more. It does not appear, that there were any more obvious hunting "accidents" due to the regulation time change either. So that is another positive. The wearing of mandatory orange didn't effect me at all, because I have always worn it during firearms season.

As of right now, most all the local lakes in the capitol region are still open water. Hope to get some ice by the end of January?? In the mean time, use extreme caution whenever venturing out! Be Sure, there is enough ice to hold you and your gear.

You're right. It does look weird! Like you said, perhaps a camera nearby? Hey, check out the GTG thread Carlos. Would be great if we could meet up again!

Perhaps a small game hunter got a couple squirrels. Then got a lucky shot on the coyote? Pure speculation though on my part. But why dump the squirrels? I've never seen anything like that before!

Wouldn't be a GTG without ya Paul! Looks like it will be a Saturday afternoon. Now to nail down a date!

What's really strange is the two squirrels laying next to the yote.

Would love to! But we have open water on the local lakes at this time.

I have no problem giving deer the shot!

Dog gone...... It's gonna be a LONG offseason.......

Yes, that's the place! I'm thinking about a Saturday afternoon? Arrive, and wrap up during daylight, so driving on unfamiliar roads wouldn't be so bad? The date is workable for the majority. We are up to about 10 people that could possibly be there! Awesome!

My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Prayers sent.

Awesome Dan! I've wanted to meet you for years! This could be epic!

If there is enough interest, would like to have a GTG for anyone who would like to attend. Could do it this month? Can work out the date. It would be at 'Maple On The Lake' (Google it) in East Berne. It is a little off the beaten path yes. But plenty of room to spread out, perhaps even have our own space downstairs? The food is very good, and priced reasonable. Good beer selection if you care to partake. The view of the lake and surrounding hills is beautiful. Be so good to see some of you guys again, and finally get to meet a bunch I haven't yet! Covid be damned! But we will follow the guidelines of the restaurant and respectfully keep safe! If there is enough interest, biggamefish and myself will set it up. Respond here if interested! Let's make it happen! Don't think we ever did this in the Capital region yet. WNY, SENY, and anyone interested, are all welcome!

Got together with UpStateRedNeck and biggamefish today! We usually get together during hunting season for coffee, but didn't this season. Two great guys, and hunters. Was great comparing notes and shooting the breeze!! We are thinking of having a bigger GTG this month for anyone interested? Will start a new thread for that.

Great meeting up with you and UpStateRedNeck today!!! Thanks for the grinder!

Hopefully in 22, we can turn the corner on a dismal last couple of years.