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Hey all, I’m wondering if anybody uses any local butchers to process their meat for them? If so, I was wondering if I could get a gauge on prices and/or overall experience? In years past I have just driven my deer up to my home in Northern Washington County but with my schedule this semester of school it looks like doing so will be tough. Thanks in advance and good luck in the woods!

So here's my story. This is my second season hunting. I hunt on about 75-100 acres of private land with 3 other hunters. The owner of the land is retired and keeps daily notes on hunting times, amount of deer, turkey, etc seen (and has been for like 20 years). 2 years ago, by the end of early bow season had counted some 400 deer. Last year was thought to be the worst season he has ever seen with only seeing about 200 deer and about 300 turkey before gun season. But this year it is even worse. Zero turkey and only 48 deer have been seen. Last year there was mostly nocturnal movement. This year we arent even seeing any signs inculding tracks and nothing on our trailcams. They arent using trails they have been using for 20+ years. We thought maybe a lot of coyotes have moved in but we havent even seen/heard them either. As far as landscape and terrain. Nothing has changed. To make them alter their patterns from previous years. SO, my questions are: 1. Where are all the deer?! 2. Any ideas whats going on? 3. Are other hunters having the same problem?

Anyone know of any decent taxidermist in the Albany area? I know there are a lot around but most of them don't have websites and it would be nice to find one for a decent price.

Feb 28th Rally in Albany... Anybody going? I am and others I know are too. This is going to be one to attend and should be pretty big. More info below.... The New York State Conservation Council urges your participation in the Gun Rights Rally and Lobby Day to be held in the Well of the Legislative Office Building in Albany on Thursday, February 28, 2013, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The theme of the Rally is "The NY SAFE Act Must Go!!" Organized by the NYS Rifle & Pistol Association with cooperation from the Shooters Committee On Political Education, this is an opportunity for you to join with other sportsmen/women to let Governor Cuomo and state legislators know of your strong opposition to the recently-passed NY Secure Ammunition and Firearms Act. If you are gun owner, you need to be in Albany on February 28. According to SCOPE, "We are being called to Albany on February 28th to make our voices heard as one united coalition. The Governor's SAFE Act does nothing to keep anyone safe. It does put onerous and restrictive regulations on law abiding, tax paying citizens [who] are being singled out by a small minority with an agenda that can only be labeled as dubious." The NYSR&PA says this is a day to lobby the state legislature on gun rights. It recommends that you call your Assembly Member and State Senator to make an appointment to meet with them in their offices on the 28th after the conclusion of the Rally at 12:30 p.m. Go to the home pages for the NYS legislature, www.nysenate.gov and http://assembly.state.ny.us, where you can find your legislators by entering your home address and/or zip code. It would be a good idea to make an appointment with a legislator who is not from your home district … deliver your message to the downstate/ metropolitan legislators as well. The February issue of NYSCC's Grass Roots News contained several articles concerning the gun control issue that can serve as reference for talking points; be sure to refer to the newsletter for ideas. Don't forget the ladies and youth! Bring them along if you can; show the legislators that there's more to this issue than a bunch of hunters in jeans and flannel shirts. Youngsters and women like to shoot, too – it's a family pastime enjoyed by many! There are several public and private transportation options to get to Albany: Several groups are putting together buses to Albany: From Long Island: the Sportsmen's Association for Firearms Education, contact John Cushman 631/475-8125 From Ulster County: the Federated Sportsmen's Clubs of Ulster County, contact Elmer LeSuer 845/340-7404 From Erie County: the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, contact Rich Davenport 716/510-7952 From Utica/Mohawk Valley: contact Peg Roberts 315/941-6360 From Central NY: the Oswego and Onondaga County Sportsmen's Federations, contact Rick McDermott 315/882-1540 Check www.nysrpa.org and www.scopeny.org for additional areas that may be chartering buses for the trip to Albany. Amtrak to Albany: Take the train to the Albany-Rensselaer (ALB) station. From there either take a private taxi or CDTA bus to the Empire State Plaza. Driving to Albany: Parking is available under the Empire State Plaza. Cost is $2/hour and paid with a credit card. To get to the ESP take 1-787 to the South Mall Arterial exit. After parking take the elevator to the concourse level. The Legislative Office Building is accessible from there. Food and restrooms are available on the concourse level as well. Remember to check your pockets before your lock your car and leave behind anything that might be construed to be a weapon; you will be asked to dispose of pocket knives, tools, scissors, etc. as you pass through security. Be respectful with your message and your attire; wear business casual dress; no camo. A neat shirt and slacks, with or without a jacket, will send the message that you should be taken seriously. Once again, if you have any trouble with the links, just copy/paste them into your browsers address bar.

80 acres of hunting land for lease. This would be exclusive rights for big game and turkey. Town of Worcester, Otsego County, NY. Approx. 20 miles from Oneonta, Cooperstown, and Cobleskill. Approx. 60 miles from Albany, 80 miles from Binghamton, and 180 miles from NYC. I want other game left alone (woodcock, grouse, fox coyotes,fisher,etc.) This is very hilly farmland with some standing corn this Fall (unitil the raccoons, turkey and deer destroy it). This 80s acres is in a high deer travel area and is surrounded by other large parcels of woods and farmland. Towards the end of big game season deer tend to yard in the lower part of this land (in the conifers). There is a lot of hunting activity in this general area so deer are moving a lot during the season. This is "southern zone" and rifles are allowed. To anybody that leases this land - some "northern zone" hunting land is also included if someone has an interest. That is in the town of Indian Lake, Hamilton County, NY. A 2 1/2 hour drive from the land in Otsego County. Call or email to discuss. For this year - doe tags/management permits will be allowed. 4-wheelers/ATVs allowed. $900 for one full season plus you must have proof of insurance. The size of the group does not matter to me. ATVs must stick to established paths if ground is wet. When ground is dry and not snow-bound, most is accessible with a 4WD truck or SUV. There is an old camper on the land if someone has a desire to clean it up and use it, while hunting. 607-397-8638 [email protected]