grampy

Was that close to home? Nice Pic!

The Waltons Christmas is my all time favorite. It was the very fist Waltons. Some of the cast changed when it went to a TV show. But always enjoy the original Miracle On 34th Street, Christmas Vacation, The Santa Clause with Tim Allen, It's A Wonderful Life, and like Robhuntandfish said, Grumpy Old men. That one still cracks me up!!!

This is what I was referring to, in my not so perfect myself post. And no, it was not dark. I make no excuses, and I don't give a line of BS either. Think of me what you will. In 44 years, I've mentored more than a handful of new hunters, along with my grandson now. And can honestly say, that never once, was a law ever broken while they were with me. Does that make me perfect? Nope. Not even close. But again, I never claimed to be.

I live in a glass house. I will not throw a stone. I see my own imperfections. And can only try to improve myself. With 44 hunting seasons behind me, I will say my ethics have never wavered. But did I follow the exact letter of the law a time or two during that time? No. I'm not perfect.

Go out on some local spots where you see some ice fishing going on. Walk around and see what they are doing and using. Ask questions too! I've talked to many newbies out on the ice over the years. Always offered my stuff to use and how to do it. And would usually give something away. If you will be around the Albany area, shoot me a pm. I've got everything needed for a day on the ice. You will be good to go on your own after that.

So much to do. So little time.

Enjoy the drinks! And remember, the success rate is always higher in the off season! So get out and hunt!

"Hunters arrested in Columbia county". These scumbags are not hunters! Tip of the hat to the ECO's.

I'm going to sit tight till Christmas eve. I've heard the deer fly all over everywhere then. And be a sport! Don't shoot sitting deer!

We have friends outside of Rutland and Weston, and we visit Vermont quite a bit. My buddy in Weston, shot a 100 inch eight point this season, his biggest buck in years. He has an absolutely beautiful 120 acres, and does put in his time, but rarely gets even trail cam picks of bigger bucks. My other friend in Rutland has not shot a deer in a couple of years now. he has around 40 acres, but does not get out to hunt much anymore. They both occasionally come here to 4-H, and hunt with me, and consider our property to be a deer paradice! Far from the truth!! But we always have at least a couple mature bucks here. They claim harsher winters to be the main difference, but we can get some bad winters in the hilltowns of Albany county too. I haven't hunted their properties in a few years, but rarely saw a deer when I did, and never killed one there. But to look at these properties, you would expect to see deer everywhere! Not sure why there isn't.

Just one more step and I would've had a shot!..... Got to say, coming out to hunt with moog, and meeting a bunch of the guys from this site out there, was the highlight of my season. That and getting a buck with my bow, after shoulder surgery in May. And of course hunting with my grandson Zac. I learned, that no matter how willing the mind, if the body is not healthy, it makes for some tough hunting. But getting back out a couple of times after cancer surgery, put a big smile on my face! 2018 will be my comback year! The worst was the 2nd. day of gun season. Hunting one of my best spots from the ground as usual. Having to pee REALLY bad, I stood up without looking all around first. You guessed it. As soon as I stood, 40 yards behind me was one of the top bucks on the property! He was gone in a blink. Rookie mistake....

Sometimes all you can do is "shake your head and laugh". And do like I do. Add it to my long list of "how I didn't kill a deer"!

Happy Birthday to ya both! Family, Friends and good Food are hopefully on deck for the birthday boys today! Enjoy!

My buddy shot a doe a few years ago, and her molars were worn down to the gum line. DEC aged her at 8 years old. The doe picture here, my guess is 3 years old. And deer don't normally have front teeth.

I find that I'll lose, break or misplace hunting items, over the almost three month season. Or see or hear of something that would be useful for hunting, while I'm hunting. So Christmas, is just right for me! Gives me time to drop hints, while things are still fresh in my mind.

Awesome! Congrats!

Any advice given to my younger self from my older self, would have been ignored. Because I thought I knew it all back then! Live and learn the hard way, knucklehead. I did.

Happy Birthday!! Hope your special day is filled with all the good stuff !

I'd venture to say that the majority of hunters, experienced or not, just want meat in the freezer. That being said, I "choose" to hold out for a larger buck. BUT, getting out after surgery this year, I passed up a nice two year old six point, hoping one of the larger ones would show. Even though he would have qualified with AR's, I normally wouldn't think twice about shooting him. I'm kinda regretting that now. You see, season to season things can change our perspective. So I will always advocate leaving the choice up to the hunter. On the flip side, that six pointer will hopefully be a shooter for my grandson or myself "next" year. But it was I who made the choice. Every hunter should have their own choice.

So nice up there! Was up there in May. But unfortunately for a funeral. Next time I'm up that way, I'll give ya a shout!

Beautiful veiw from the deck, although a cold one for sure! Bet ya got some outstanding fishing in the warmer months up there. Got some relatives in Malone. Thats where my mom grew up. How far are ya from there?

To me, a wild 100 inch buck, is "worth" so much more, than a 200 inch fenced deer. JMO.

Congratulations! Way to hang in there and get it done. Nice buck.

Congratulations! Way to go! Nice shooting! That's the spirit!!!

C'mon buddy, lets get in the holiday spirit, and put some red in that snow!!