grampy

Happy Birthday!!!!

Hoping for the best with Max. I like dogs better than most people!

When the boys were little, we would always take them to Santa's Workshop just outside Lake Placid. Also, just walking through town and enjoying the shops and eateries was always fun. But not sure how all that is now, due to Covid-19 restrictions. Pretty sure there will be some ice fishers out on the lake. You could always walk out to see what they are catching? I had an aunt who lived up there, and always enjoyed visiting the area.

Can't see the head on the one, but do see the tail. Moral of the story.........don't lose your head over a piece of tail.

We've had otters on the farm for years. There is a large creek fed swamp, with some fairly deep holes. That is where we always see them. Got a couple stands in that area, and seeing them out there, usually in early bow season, is always a highlight of the day! Otters are in my opinion, the coolest critters we have around here.

We all know your heat is downstairs anyways Dan!!!

I got to ride in Raptor #1 and it was super nice! Hopefully will get a ride in Raptor #2 sometime! Congratulations buddy Awesome Truck!!

My hunting partner had one in 7mm-08 he was looking to part with. Not sure if he did though? I could ask?

Seems as if common sense isn't very common these days.....sigh....

A bench grinder and some heavy wire from Tractor Supply, could have made up a bunch of those, no? But still the wire would likely be made in China too.

Nice machine Larry! Is that an auto shift?

Is there a senior discount for this fantastic survivor lint??? Since the end of deer season, I have not worn the heavy wool socks, that produce the lint between my toes. So I don't want to be caught short.

Having spent a number of my younger years living in Florida and SC, I got used to the snakes and gators. Actually found them to be quite interesting. Just took them all in stride while hunting and fishing. But never did adjust to all the darn bugs down there!!!

Nice looking shotgun at a fair price. GLWS.

I think the extremism, on both ends of the political spectrum, are what's tearing the heart out of America. Most folks in the middle, can usually find some common ground. But.....common ground seems to be in as short supply as ammunition these days.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness........ that's what my Mama told me.

Each year after age 60, my world tilts a little more!

Sink and stove after every use in the grampy house too. Mrs. grampy taught me well......lol In my bachelor days I was a slob!

That's just nuts........

Depending on where the class is given, there may not be a safe place for live fire instruction. DEC regional offices must approve ANY location, where a class will be held. Someone can no longer just say, "I want to have a class in my garage"! The location must always be vetted first by DEC. We do ours at a Sportsmen's Club, as are the vast majority of classes given now days. We have both indoor and outdoor ranges available on site. But, live fire is NOT required by DEC to complete the course! But, highly encouraged where possible. Also, the use of 'inert' firearms, and ammunition, (provided by the DEC) IS required in every class!! To at least show the different actions ie... bolt, lever. pump, semi auto, and single, and how they operate. Not to mention to use for demonstrating safe handling techniques. By instructors and from students. This is required in every class. Not sure where these instructors were from, but they did NOT follow DEC mandated curriculum, for giving a hunter education class.

From what I am hearing from the DEC, ALL courses will have the option of being online.

Saw this coming when DEC made online courses "temporary" last year. And the numbers represent more licences being sold, and more money for the state. A no brainer decision actually. It is also a much more convenient way of getting a hunter certification for most folks. The online course covers almost identically, what we covered in the in person classes. Most all Junior hunters already had a mentor, much more capable than an instructor. As it should be! But.....in every class we would always have questions not asked in the online course. Usually about ethics grey areas, or a hands on firearms safety correction. You see, not all who came had a mentor, or anyone close in the family who hunted, or had experience with a firearm or bow. Our live fire, was always one of the most rewarding aspects of the course for students AND instructors alike. And I always spent extra time during breaks and after the course, on the archery range with new shooters. Helping them with their bows, and or shooting form basics. DEC sent all instructors information about doing in person classes for anyone, who would like a more hands on learning experience. No matter if they already passed a course, or not. Just to get that little extra bit, that some may want or need. Be it as a NYS certified instructor, a friend, or mentor. I will always do what I can to help a new hunter get a safe start to hunting. It is only just my way of giving back to what I have loved my whole life. And when the ones I help, help others, the circle is completed.

Very cool Larry! Next trip to the Maine shore, I'll pick some up for ya! We always see some up there. Usually just pick it up, admire it for a few seconds and put it back down.

Ask, and you shall receive! The guys above gave great information! Only thing I will add, is that typically the more a scope costs, the better the internal lenses, coatings and materials. So a scope costing $79 most likely will not perform, or last as long as a scope costing $300 or more. You mostly get what you pay for when purchasing optics. Also, there are many different types of reticles (the lines you see in the scope) And most shooters have their preferences, depending on what type of shooting will be done. Long or short range, thick or thin, a combination of both, or BDC with dots or lines, for shooting longer known distances.

Happy Birthday Steuben Jerry! Happy Birthday Tughill Tamer! All the best to you two!!!...............