Bigfoot 327

In terms of human suffering (Lyme Disease) the ticks in NY are a bigger problem than the snakes and gators in Florida. I expect to close on a home in Fl. before the end of the April.

A survey that I wasn't allowed to participate with results I can't read. As one of my DI's used to say with much sarcasm: "out f**cking standing!""

Florida will soon issue it's 2 millionth concealed carry permit. http://www.clickorlando.com/news/gunshine-state-florida-nears-2-millionth-concealed-weapon-permit

Not all NY localities have solar laws/ordinances (yet). NYSERDA has a "New York State Model Solar Energy Law" which municipalities can use in adopting their local laws. Section C-4 states: "All large scale energy systems shall be enclosed to prevent unauthorized access. Warning signs with the owners contact information shall be posted on the entrance and perimeter of the fencing." I am not aware of any large installations within 50 miles of me that don't have at least 8 foot high fencing.

Most solar projects are required to be fenced in (liability concerns and such) so the areas on your lease with the panels are most likely be difficult/impossible for the deer to access. Existing travel routes could be eliminated. On the other hand, the new fences could provide opportunities as new travel corridors/choke points are created. If your lease is based on acreage, you might be in line for a price reduction, because you're going to have fewer acres to hunt.

I remember reading the contest results as a teenager with the same interest and excitement that you describe. Many years later my BIL gave me one of the booklets from (as I recall) 1964. I still have it (somewhere).

A Federal Judge has declared NY's stun gun ban unconstitutional as a violation of the 2nd amendment. http://www.syracuse.com/state/2019/03/federal-judge-says-new-york-states-stun-gun-ban-is-unconstitutional.html

I paid almost $5/ gallon here in Florida, but that was for delivery of a small amount to my RV campsite here. I was happy to pay that because it saved me from breaking camp and driving who knows where for the fill up. I paid $2.49/gallon in January with no HazMat fees or fuel surcharges. I do not own my own tanks. This is from E&V Energy in the Central Finger Lakes. I don't know what I paid per gallon for my February delivery- never received a bill with our not being home. I called and paid the small balance- heat is only set high enough to protect water from freezing. I have in-laws that own a 1000 gallon tank and usually only buy in bulk from a propane co-op during the Summer. Their unit cost is usually about 1/2 of what I pay. It would probably worth your time to see if there is a co-op in your area.

I received a letter from the tax accessor today informing us that our property value has increased another $20K this year. This is after a $28K jump 2 years ago. This is for a modest 1100 sq. ft home that hasn't seen any improvements since 2014. There is no end to this madness...…...

Link didn't work at first because I misspelled "bulletins". I tried to edit it and now it appears to work with the link misspelled. My laptop has a mind of it's own.

Includes tally by township- interesting starting point to see where bears were harvested. http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYSDEC/bullitins/231bb94

Good luck finding the vaccine. There has been a nationwide shortage since it was introduced in 2017. I have been on a wait list since last September.

Steuben Jerry: no real single triggering event. Kids have grown up and 4 out of 6 live out of state (don't see them ever moving back either). Already have a sister, a son, and grown grandchild living in Florida. High property taxes. Feeling that I am not represented in either state or local governments. Over regulation. My neighborhood has drastically changed. Swat teams raiding neighboring houses for drug busts- Crime- heroin being sold within 500 yards of my house. I could go on and on.....

I want to thank everyone who added their two cents to this discussion. I obviously have a lot to think about. I'm in Florida "suffering" in the 80 degree temps, so nothing is going to happen on this until April anyway!

GreeneHunter: sounds like you're in it for the long haul. Seriously consider Steuben Jerry's advice. With proper management your forest will be healthier, your trees will grow faster, and you will probably be able to harvest (some) every 15 years or so.

I spoke with a forester (since retired) in 2005 when my mother had some timber harvested. I asked him how many of his customers manage their woodlands for a sustainable harvest and how many cut and run. He said he did whatever the customer wanted. Anyway, he said that it was about 50/50. He related that a corporation bought 300 acres and told him to "cut anything you can sell". He also told me that he often saw situations where Mom and Dad would eventually die and leave their farm to their children- who often had moved away. The kids wanted nothing to do with the farm except sell whatever...….you get the idea. The vast majority of NY woodlands have no forestry plan nor are they in any way managed. None of the properties that surround mine have a management plan. The fellow that owns the property to my South is in his late seventies. He has periodically taken timber off of that land (and his father before him) since before I was born. However, a couple years ago he had everything saleable harvested. He told me, that he wouldn't live to see another harvest anyway. There won't be timber to harvest on that property for probably 40 years. If I leave my woods in ruin it might matter a lot to a future owner, or it might not matter at all. I guess what is important is how I feel about it...…..

I've used FORECON in the past for a minor harvest and a major timber stand improvement. They have NY offices in Falconer and Cortland as well as PA and West VA. I was pleased with the services that they provided. My property includes a house and about 39 acres total. Instead of selling the timber I may simply have the option of dividing the property and selling the main woods to sawmill that expressed an interest in buying the property some years ago.

Wife and I are fed up with NY. We have a one year plan to sell our place and relocate South. I have always tried to better the property wanting to leave it better than when I obtained it. Now, not so much. I have about 30 acres of mature hardwood timber (mostly sugar maple) and maple that could benefit from more years growth. Do I try to sell the property with the value of the hardwood folded into the sale price or do I take the money and run?

WOW! What happened to the original thread?

I used to cut ash for firewood. Deer would hammer the tops, eating not just the buds but also any branch less than the size of a pencil. They also love wild sumac, which I ordinarily would not cut, but I had some where I didn't want them. Deer flock to sumac like candy.

It's 83 degrees here in Leesburg, Florida. What is snow?

HR-8 and S-42, the so called "universal background check" bills are a major threat to us. Here's more info: http://www.nraila.org/articles/20190125/keep-telling-your-members-of-congress-to-oppose-universal-background-check-bills

The bill as proposed would make it illegal for just about anybody (except direct blood relatives) to even touch your firearms. If you were to hand your new dream deer rifle to your next door neighbor in the privacy of your own home for him/her to inspect and admire, however briefly...….you would be guilty of committing a felony! Because the bill as written says that is an illegal transfer.

I took the time to contact my assembly person. She admitted voting for the Safe Act without reading it. I pointed out that gun raffles are used by many nonprofits as fund raisers and that winners under go background checks while picking the firearm from someone with a FFL. Maybe she will actually think about this vote...……...

I'm in Florida. Went to a farmers market this morning. I bought a melon, which the vendor placed into a plastic bag. I told my wife's cousin that may outlaw plastic shopping bags in NY. A lady overheard me and said: "They kill babies in New York too!"