grampy

I agree. All these public land areas have hunting potential. But most are small and can be crowded, with not only hunters, but people walking their dogs, hiking, bike riding, bird watching, or any number of other things, public land gets used for. That is just what comes with hunting public land. That is why I always recommend Partridge Run, for hunting in Albany County. It is bigger acreage wise, than all the others combined. It is the only public land in this area, where you could hunt and move about, and not see another hunter! I have hunted PR since I was a pup, before I got my own land to hunt. I have killed many deer there, and some pretty decent bucks too. Even with private land, I STILL hunt there on occasion. 20 or 30 years ago, even the large acreage of Partridge Run was too crowded. Now days, most parking lots and access points are almost clear of vehicles, except the opening weekend of firearms season. You too should take a look over there rob. I think you will really like it! It's as close to wilderness hunting, as you will find in Albany County public hunting lands. Just don't spread the word too much! I have hunting access, to the private land surrounding Martha Burke! What about those big bucks???

Whatever comes our way, I'll deal with it and make the best of it! We've been spoiled the last two or three winters. I enjoy hunting with snow on the ground! Got my buck right after a snow last year. I really stocked up on snow camo, since the end of last season. So......let it snow.....let it snow.....let it snow!!!!!

Most all my hunting is from ground level. 20 yards or less for me for most all my shots. Nothing like being eye to eye, on their level, and close enough to spit on! Wouldn't have it any other way! And up the difficulty X2 when there are two hunters, like when my grandson hunts. Figure if we can get it done on the ground, when he's on his own, hunting from a tree will seem easy! His education on the ground will serve him well, long after I am no longer able hunt with him.

Love the 7mm-08! After our area, 4-H went to rifle not long ago, I too switched from my shoulder thumping 12g to a 7mm-08 Savage Axis. Did some trigger work, and topped it with Leupold glass and it is a proven deer gun with "dead right there" results! Your Ruger American is a great rifle too! I have used the Cor Loc's, Fusions, Whitetails, Hornady's and a couple others at the range with pretty good accuracy. But for hunting, it's the Federal Premium, Nosler Bullistic Tips in 140 gr. that shot best from my rifle. The performance on deer is lights out instantly, when you do your part. Killed two decent bucks with this round at less than 50 yards. This round was suggested to me, from a member here when I asked the same question! Welcome to the forum! Hope to hear more from ya!

Haven't bothered to take my phone out for pic's lately. But have been shooting pretty good! Mostly between 30 and 45 yards. First shot always at 30, my max hunting range. Most shots are within Larry's pie plate!.....lol One more week, then switch to broadhead. I've worked so hard to get to this point since my May 4th shoulder surgery. And some other issues since then. I had serious doubts about bowhunting this year. But it looks like I will be able to participate. You never realize how much you would miss it, until you almost lose it.

I'm in one now for a Henry 22 rifle!! Drawing Oct. 22nd. Reminded me to buy a couple more tickets!

Welcome to the site! Would be cool to hear some of your hunting/fishing adventures! Join in anytime! Look forward to hearing more!

Welcome! Look forward to hearing more from you! Pull up a seat and join in anytime!

Ruger 10-22. for me when I go.

Welcome! Glad to have you join us! Thatcher has some deer, but can be hard to hunt until you really get to know the lay of the land there. Not a ton of pressure, but enough to put a lot of the deer movement to nocturnal early on. The Carick rd. entrance with the open hardwoods and oak ridges is better than the Ryan road entrance IMO. The Ryan side is very thick and almost unhuntable in spots. You just can't get in to where the deer are, without tipping off the deer you are trying to hunt! But with enough time put in you can be successful, hunting the fringes. If I were hunting public land in this area, Partridge run would be my FIRST choice. Plenty of room to roam and some very nice deer! Tip......Ravine road. Cole hill is another good spot with the side benches on oak ridges. Some decent bucks have been taken there over the years. But you will need to be in a ways and early, before the deer move up in the morning or down at last light. Best of luck to you!

That's pretty cool Biz. Using a gun your grandfather used. Someday, your son or daughter, will be using the same gun. Your grandfather would be pleased I'm sure. That's why he bought quality, that was built to last.

A BIG beautiful buck!! Sure makes getting out of bed at 3:30am, much easier when you know something like that is cruzing the area!!! Good luck this season!

I practice out to 50-60 yards, only to make my 30 yard max hunting limit seem easier. From 50-60 it shows any imperfection in my form or equipment. So if I am getting good groups of 4 inches or so at 50- 60, I'm shooting 2 inch or smaller at 20 and 30 yards. I have let many decent deer walk, that were outside of my self imposed limit of 30 yards, did so a few times last year. Could I have made some of those 35 to 45 yard shots? Most likely yes, but all it would take is to make one bad shot, to not be worth it to me.

This year, started using ethanol free gas only in everything. Pay more for it but it will save me trouble in the end.

A true hero! Glad he was on our side!

Congratulations to your buddy! That's a nice bear! Taken with a beautiful recurve! We have a good population of bear in this area. And every year I ask myself, should I shoot one? So far the answer has been no! Upping it to a maybe for this year, for the right bear.

This, and does the lighted nock's change the point of impact, necessitating a re sighting of the bow? I have been considering using them on my compound and crossbow, this year.

Bet the mutts were happy that skully stayed on! Lots of drooling and tail wagging!....... woof woof.....

The handyman sounds like a jerk. And eventually his temper and crappy disposition will be exposed. Jerks will always show their true colors!!! Endear yourself to the landowners. Stop by often for good conversation and smiles. Always have a small gift. Offer to do anything that may help them out. Never bad mouth the jerk, or anyone else. Just become like a friend, who is ALWAYS willing to help with anything possible. If asked, give down to earth advice. If not, agree with their ideas, and help them make it happen for them. In short, have them like you more than the jerk. If they have pets, you gotta draw the line somewhere..........that you are comfortable with. (grin)

We got a number of those stands. They are almost indestructible and last for years and years. Put them up in a pine or hemlock tree, and you are almost invisible. Shot a couple of my biggest deer out of one of these!

Nice buck! Best of luck this season! Next time we see a pic of that buck, expecting to see you in it too!!! Have fun hunting.

I gotta agree. Not too much beats that my friend! Cept' maybe Miss S.C. running blues up the tree to ya!............grin.

No doubting who the daddy is here! The apple did not fall far from the tree. Incredible bucks, both. You got some dang good genetics in that area!

What a nice buck! Wishing your son good luck!!!

Anticipation has really notched up for sure! Seems to be plenty of deer, only one more blind to place, Still tightening my groups of three arrows. Grandson joined a higher level travel baseball team, they only play on Sundays, so will have him to hunt on Saturdays. Football is during the week. Seeing the first hint of fall colors on the trees. Cool mornings. My favorite time of year is fast approaching!!!