jmark

Where to start... All original M-1 Garand All original 1903 (I have a sporterized one, but want full original) Marlin 39A from 1957 (my birthday year) (it's just a crazy idea of mine) Another muzzleloader Browning CItori Ruger American .308 (need another deer rifle, like this one just fine)

My 13 yo son took our Dick's card and taped it to an M-80 and blew it up. Kid's got his priorities straight.

Wow, read the headline and thought you guys maybe had another baby. Of course, dogs are better than humans, so even better. He's a handsome fella. Hope to see you this fall. Mark

Thanks for the help, folks. Now that I've done it, I see a little better how it all works. I appreciate the patience and understanding. FYI, both me and my son (14) applied in 4-H (where we have property), and did second choices, one in 4-B and one in 4-J. Got both the seconds. I did this literally at 12:01 a.m. last night (way past my bedtime, but worth it). And we each got PP's from being denied the first choice. Maybe next year we'll get one in 4-H. In the meantime, I went out to walk the dog last night right before doing this, and a very large and healthy looking doe walked right in front of the house, and stood there, not 50 feet from me, and just looked at me. I just looked at her and said, outloud, "yeah, you can taunt me like that all you want now... but come fall, you're goin' down!" She slowly sauntered off. No doubt chuckling to herself, knowing what a bad shot I am.

Thanks for the replies. Still not clear on how it works, really. So, in the chart below, for example, does that mean that you can't apply for a second choice DMP in, say, 3C? So if you're applying to a WMU that requires a PP, and you don't have any PP's so you're doing that knowing you won't get it (but you'll get a PP for next year), and you then made your second choice 3C... you're guaranteed to get nuthin? WMU Area (mi2) DMP Target Target DMPs per mi2 Average DMP Success Chances of DMP Selection Residents Non-Residents 1st DMP 2nd DMP 1st DMP 2nd DMP 1C 903.3 Max. with Bonus DMPs 12.2% HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH 3A 694.3 0 0.0 NONE NONE NONE NONE 3C 316.1 2,000 6.3 13.3% MED NONE NONE NONE 3F 331.7 5,500 16.6 8.9% HIGH MED HIGH NONE

Would you guys mind answering a question for me? So, I don't have an preference points. I guess that means I can't get a 4-H (I have property there, but not enough). Preference points are based on prior applications denied, correct? If I want to be able to try again next year, should I apply for a DMP in 4-H, knowing I'll get denied? Can you even do that? Sorry if that's a dumb question, I haven't applied for a DMP before. Thanks for any help. jm

What do you guys think of these for winter hunting in a blind? https://www.mukluks.com/Traditional-Tall-Chocolate_Brown/productinfo/TTCH/#.WjCkCt-nGUk I have a pair I've had for years - they are awesome. But I didn't even think of them for hunting because I was thinking more along the lines of boots for hiking. Thoughts? j

Forgive me if this is something everybody else knows - there's a lot of that that I don't. Does anyone know a source for maps of NYS that show the WMU's but also show towns, counties, roads, etc? It seems to me kind of dumb that DEC posts these nice color maps of WMU's, but it's impossible to tell where the boundaries are.... jm

Who wears camo when hunting and why? OK, let's maybe exclude turkey? But what about deer? Aren't they color-blind anyway? And if you're in a ground blind with a black interior, wouldn't it be better to wear black? I spent a bunch of $ on camo gear, and now wondering if it's all just a marketing scam. Thoughts?

There's more than one. I've been to the one in Ft. Mill, which is right on the NC/SC border. It's a good Cabela's, as Cabela's go. Pretty much to me they all seem to be exactly the same. But if you have kids with you and you're there on the weekend, you could consider going to Carowinds and to Cabela's, as they are across the street from each other. Carowinds is a fairly large amusement park, and has lots of live entertainment (probably focused on country music, but not sure). I haven't been in many years, so I would check current reviews. But I think it's a pretty good place for young kids. Edit: Don't bother with the Gander Mountain in Charlotte. Assuming it's even still there, it's a total waste of time, unless you like paying 110% of MSRP. The Bass Pro is ok (but again, they're all about the same). I did find some 8mm Mauser ammo there cheap ($17 a box), and stocked up.

I'm from Charlotte, grew up there. Was there a month ago to visit family. Charlotte is a pretty large city at this point, having annexed or effectively annexed most of the suburbs. Traffic can be a nightmare and getting around can be confusing. It was never a "designed" city, and grew too fast. If you're only there for a couple of days, it would make sense to focus on your immediate area (if there's anything there), or identify something specific to do. I grew up on the south side of town (Carmel Road area), and know it best, but it's been a long time since I lived there. It will be warm (potentially hot) this time of year. Being a fan of barbeque, I would suggest trying the local fare. A couple of examples: Mac's Speed Shop - 2511 South Blvd ("Beer Bikes and Barbeque") McKoy's Smokehouse and Saloon - 4630 Old Pineville Rd Bill Spoon's BBQ -- 5524 South Blvd Sauceman's -- 228 West Blvd For gun stuff, we go to Carolina Sporting Arms when I'm there. It's "Membership Only" but takes about five minutes to sign up for a membership (which I think is free). Good stock of guns and ammo and supplies. http://csaguns.com/ There's other shops, that one just happens to be convenient. Restaurant called Light Rail right next door is decent. If you play golf, there are many golf courses, some of which are supposedly quite good (I don't play). There's lots and lots and lots and lots of shopping malls. And chain restaurants. And Starbucks. Etc. If I had a little more info about your stay, I might be able to provide more suggestions. Generally speaking, to be honest, I don't find much attractive about the city - but then, I grew up there, so I'm probably a bit cynical and jaded about it.

Well, as Adkhunter1590 (John) said, we tried like hell! Didn't get a bird, but we had a great time, and learned a lot. (This was the first time turkey hunting for me and my son, who is 12 and just got his license a couple months ago.) A few take-aways - First, I should have prepared better in terms of clothing. It was colder than I expected Saturday (and wet), and I hadn't prepared the boy well for cool weather. He was shivering for a good while, but hung in there. Also, when John suggested good boots "because it can be a little muddy," I should have listened. Next time, we'll be better prepared. Standard hiking boots are not sufficient. After we got back to the inn yesterday, I was a little worried that Miles would be too tired or cold to be enthusiastic. Quite the contrary, he was psyched! The experience of calling the gobblers in (John did this of course), and working them slowly toward us, then having them open their fan and strut around, albeit just a bit out of safe range, was exciting for him (and me). It was really cool. He was not focused on disappointment at not getting a bird, he was focused on how fun it was, and how much we were learning. And ready to get back out there. Today was warmer, bright and sunny, and the area where we hunted first (behind John's house) was absolutely beautiful. As were the state lands we visited again later in the morning. We keep threatening to buy some property in that area, and I think that may have sealed the deal for Miles (he talked constantly about it later). To paraphrase something John said later, hunting is 99% hunting and 1% killing, and if can't enjoy the former, well.... I will say, we did enjoy the former, very much. It was just exquisite as the sun rose thru the trees and glistened on the creek below. My son is shy and can be a little social awkward (like his dad). He took to John immediately, and John managed it well (he's obviously a father of young kids himself). I was happy to see them talking, whispering, pointing, the boy learning, nodding his head, he was very comfortable. I think this is half the job of a good guide (and a good friend, as well). I enjoyed this morning as Miles grilled John about the calls he uses. And I have to say, I never would have thought a stick rubbed against a piece of slate could yield a sound of almost desperate lust. We had a great drive back, and as we got closer to the NYC, the traffic and ugliness of course imposed on us, and we both wished we didn't have to be making that drive south. John, you shouldn't be inviting us back if you don't want it - 'cause we're hooked. Hope to see you in a couple of weeks. jmark (and Miles) P.S. I loved the sign in the local laundromat. You know you're in gun country when you see that. And... there's a damn good restaurant in Greenville, called the Mountainview Brasserie or something like that. Serve decent size steaks.

Cousins. I can't stand 'em.

Thanks, yeah, it seems pretty clear the spring can't come out the end with the barrel removed. So now worries there. Now, however, I'm having a problem with the cheap-azz safety on the thing. It actually kicks back to "safety on" when fired, about 10% of the time, based on a day of testing. Very annoying. Any ideas on what the heck is going on with that?

Blue jeans. Ridiculous, but we all wore them. Crappy scan of old pic, but here's me, on the trail up to Lake Isabelle, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 1976. Carrying an absolutely absurd amount of weight, on that old Trailwise pack. We actually had canned food in the packs. And Svea 123's. And "botas" full of wine. But we camped a week at the Lake (you could camp there back then), doing day trips up the glaciers. Lucky I survived. Stupid kids...

Ha. I respect the ultra-lighters, but it ain't my thing. I'll take some ultra-light stuff when it works for me (alcohol stoves), but I like a little comfort. Life is all about compromises. I'll go a little slower, stop a little earlier, and sleep a little later. My son and I did the Allagash a couple of years ago. Amazing. We stopped counting Bald Eagles on Day 3, at 15. Moose, waterfalls, great fly fishing, Brook Trout, fun rapids... But as awesome as it was, it ain't the Yukon, not even close. Someday maybe. I'm much less ambitious, contemplating the Long Trail thru Vermont maybe next year. The bears are not as scary, and no rattlesnakes.

BTW, EMS filed for bankruptcy last month. IMO they never could get it right, which is unfortunate, as REI could use some competition. But I gave up on EMS years ago. http://fortune.com/2017/02/06/eastern-mountain-sports-ems-bankruptcy/

Wow. Great pics! Obviously you guys have plenty of experience and knowledge. Very handsome family, too. If she has boots and basic clothes down, maybe she should pick up a pack and other gear out there after arriving? I did that on one trip into the Colorado Rockies - bought most of my gear at the Phoenix REI, which was a really nice store, then headed north. Still have some of that old gear, including my old Trailwise backpack (which I later learned was Colin Fletcher's favorite). Anyway, I can't answer about Bass Pro, other than, I bought a pair of boots for my son there, and the lace hooks ripped off within a month. I imagine they have some ok stuff, but I don't think REI would sell anything that crappy.

I'm not a "serious" hiker (have never done the full AT, for example), but for years I hiked at least five miles on trails before work every morning, hiked 12-15 most Sundays, and did longer hikes in the mountains when possible. I got out my gear the other day since April is about here and I plan to start up again. I don't know about Bass Pro for hiking gear. I mostly purchase mine from REI or various direct online sources. I'd be very wary. The last thing you want is a pair of boots falling apart halfway into a hike, or pack strap breaking or a latch malfunctioning. It's like gun gear, buy once, cry once. What kind of hiking is she planning? Are we talking day hikes, weekends, or long distance? Where out West? Hiking gear is highly personal. The most important items, in my view, are, in order of importance: boots, clothes (including underclothes), pack (many varieties, preferences vary dramatically), rain gear, sleeping bag, shelter, cookware, everything else. Well, and poles. I used to laugh at them, but now I wouldn't hit the trail without them. I would seriously take a drive to an REI. Some brands I like are: Gossamer Gear, Six Moon Designs, Big Sky, Mountain Laurel, Tarptent, Lightheart, many others. My boots for day hikes are Merrill Moabs, for distances, Asolo TPS 520's (awesome boots, be sure to get good insoles). I have many tents, but mostly prefer my Tarptent Rainbow - very light but can be free-standing, which can be important out west. A variety of packs, all of which have hydration pockets, but mostly prefer my Granite Gear Blaze. I cook only with alcohol stoves, mine are homemade from cat food tins, weigh nothing, burn silently; many commercial varieties available. I ONLY wear "tech clothes" while hiking, expensive but worth it. And a good hat - essential! Anyway, surely more than you asked or wanted to hear. It's a subject I'm passionate about. I know she'll have fun. jmark

Well, it doesn't just fall out, no. I haven't really tried to coax it out. I don't think it will be a problem... just don't want to screw the gun up, as we are counting on it for turkey season. FWIW, here's an illustration. Broken down, I can get the gun in a 36 inch case. Assembled, it will require a 42", even with the short barrel. Makes a difference in my circumstances. Please forgive the graffiti - my home bar tends to attract a lot of insanity...

Correct. The screw cap stays on the barrel. That's the issue (if there is one). Should I cap the magazine in any way if transporting broken down?

No scope or optic. The screw thingy that comes with it seems to be permanently part of the barrel - doesn't come out. So when you take the barrel off, the magazine cap is just open.

I'm not sure what I mean, either. I guess I was just thinking, on the Mossberg, with the barrel off, the magazine end cap is off. I suppose the spring could fall out or something? I was thinking of just putting a bolt in there loosely just to cap the magazine end.

I suspect this may seem like a dumb question, but... I just picked up a new Mossberg 535 (Turkey/Waterfowl Combo). I drive a small vehicle (old Jeep), not much room. I like breakdown guns because they are easier to transport. Is there any issue with taking the barrel off and just carrying this gun in a short soft case with slip pockets? Should I get a bolt the same thread as the magazine cap and put it in when traveling? Thanks for indulging me. First pump shotgun I've ever owned. jmark

Thanks for the advice, guys. Gun will most likely be Remington 870, 26 inch barrel (new one). I'll probably pick up a turkey choke for it, although I believe it's full as is. The kid's not all that small - he's taller than me at 5'7"+... actually, I should go check, he grows about an inch an hour. He's only 12, though. I should probably have another look at the mailman, no one in my family was ever this tall at that age. He's lanky, though. But has been ok shooting 30-06, for example. I'll start him out with some light loads at the range. I think he'll be ok. (Me, I'm not so sure...) As for fishing, yeah, we do that, too. In the summer. jmark