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1.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2013
Each day, I think we should have one hunting topic...I don't know...Maybe it's just a crazy idea...

So anyway, I'm starting a new thing where we talk about one question or topic related to hunting every day....You can ask the experts, or post your thoughts. Maybe if this thing takes off, we can build a whole innerweb forum around it.

I'll go first: What are your favorite tactics for pre-rut when food sources are not obvious, are hard to find, or fail?

I hope everyone has their Number Two pencils ready...
2.) bluecat - 09/11/2013
Can I phone a friend?
3.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2013
Do whatever you have to....LOL
4.) Floyd - 09/11/2013
Swampy, please explain, food sources fail.
5.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2013
Let's say you always key on acorns, and there are none that year. Or your food plot doesn't do well for whatever reason. Or you're used to hunting a cornfield (food AND cover) or beans and the field got flooded...That kind of thing.

Same idea with a field left fallow or converted to fig trees, or ostrich ranching. :wink
6.) DParker - 09/11/2013
I find the most comfortable looking spot under a tree overlooking a recently used game trail and hope for the best. But I'm methodical like that.
7.) Floyd - 09/11/2013
I like DP answer. Waiting on that deer that didn't yet the memo, or the one that keeps checking in case a miracle happend.

I would also like to see responses on what they did to make something happen. I think Dino threw apples out.


You have other concerns Swampy? How about a membership drive with cold calling? We could randomly dial numbers or you can provide a list.
8.) Floyd - 09/11/2013
Which would be better?

Sit quietly. Minimum disturbance.

Or artificially enticing the deer to come in. With artificial or natrual food or attractants.
9.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2013
In these situations, if there's a defined bedding area, I like to scout the edges to see if I can figure entrance or exit points. I like to hunt closer to bedding areas than to feeding areas anyway. But if that's not possible for whatever reason [I]and [/I]I'm having trouble getting on food, I try to find the area with the most droppings. Tracks and trails would be secondary to that, especially where there might not be much in the way of features to funnel deer. What I really want to find is those droppings.

I'm not very likely to bait to try to pull the deer vs. scouting to find the deer, but it has its place. I'm not sure it's the most effective thing you can do to kill a nice buck that isn't fed all year long, but plenty of nice bucks are killed GOING to bait each year.
10.) Ohbuckhunter - 09/11/2013
Find the pinch point and natrual funnels. We hunt 90% of the time over food source. The other 10% is either pinch points of funnels. I do have 1 stand that anyone in there right mind would say your stupid for putting it there. Hunted it 3 times last year and had bucks in shooting range every time. There's nothing around it for food. There's not many trails there. He'll it's on the side of a hill. But it's only a stand for EVE hunts. Never put a camera there n just winged it.
11.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2013
What made you set up in the area?

I have found several places like that over the years. I'm talking areas that are not obvious or even subtle funnels. Sometimes I "just had a feeling", sometimes I found it by observation. A few times I found one by dumb luck and didn't realize the worth until years later when it had turned out to be a better than average area in hindsight.

They have usually been areas that hunters avoid or hadn't found yet that the deer felt safe traveling through. They didn't have to have funnel features, though if you looked closely and/or observed you could find how they do in fact funnel deer.
12.) luv2bowhunt - 09/11/2013
Wow, a hunting question. Who'd have thought of that?

I run into this alot in our public land. Big woods country that often has years with few acorns. I've learned a secret though, deer still need to eat. Yep, you heard it here first.

Droppings and tracks are where I start on years like you describe. Also, my pre-season scouting would have told me to expect a poor acron crop, so I would then begin to think of plan B feeding areas. Clearcuts and gaslines/power lines are a great place to start looking for that. They dig up something around springs too, areas that had ferns in the summer. Not sure what they get there, maybe roots or shoots or something. But it's a place they hit when the mast crop is poor.

Rublines are helpful too, but probably aren't showing up yet in the scenario you've described, being pre-rut.
13.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2013
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;10610] They dig up something around springs too, areas that had ferns in the summer. Not sure what they get there, maybe roots or shoots or something. But it's a place they hit when the mast crop is poor.

Rublines are helpful too, but probably aren't showing up yet in the scenario you've described, being pre-rut.[/QUOTE]

Intellesting...I think I can count on one hand with several fingers to spare all the natural digs or licks I have found in my career. What kind of ferns, if you know?

Exactly on target re. the rublines: I'm largely talking about the period prior to when these could reliably come into play...Plus if you can find a real rubline in time to hunt it with much chance of success, you're ahead of this game to begin with.
14.) luv2bowhunt - 09/11/2013
I don't think they are mineral licks. It is a very predictable pattern. When I find one and have a camera with me, I'll take a picture.

It is normally in a hollow, the area will have ferns that are now brown, and they will have the ground all tore up around the entire area. They'll come back to it several times. Not sure what they get there but I don't think it is a mineral. These areas look like they would be wet in the Spring and Fall.
15.) DParker - 09/11/2013
I usually only hunt large openings like power/gas lines during bang stick season, due to the extended clear shot range they afford. But I might have to give them a try next month (archery-only season) given that the acorn crop will almost certainly be quite sub-par here this year with the drought conditions.

On the other hand, the acorn shortage also makes a good argument for sticking to the oak-heavy hardwood bottoms, as I expect the squirrel fights are going to be epicaly entertaining.
16.) Ohbuckhunter - 09/11/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10609]What made you set up in the area?

I have found several places like that over the years. I'm talking areas that are not obvious or even subtle funnels. Sometimes I "just had a feeling", sometimes I found it by observation. A few times I found one by dumb luck and didn't realize the worth until years later when it had turned out to be a better than average area in hindsight.

They have usually been areas that hunters avoid or hadn't found yet that the deer felt safe traveling through. They didn't have to have funnel features, though if you looked closely and/or observed you could find how they do in fact funnel deer.[/QUOTE]

What made me hang a stand there. Well I had a extra stand in the garage that I couldn't let go to waste. I had all the spots I wanted covered for stands. I put it on the quad and rode out to a place that don't have a stand within a half mile. I was more using it to observe from. Had a stand on down a thousands or so yard and wanted to see if I could see where they cross to go to that stand. They wouldn't show up to that stand till 15 mins left of shooting light. Learned allot from that stand last year and now it's a spot that I will hunt when wind is right.
17.) bluecat - 09/11/2013
[QUOTE=DParker;10613]
On the other hand, the acorn shortage also makes a good argument for sticking to the oak-heavy hardwood bottoms, as I expect the squirrel fights are going to be epicaly entertaining.[/QUOTE]

18.) luv2bowhunt - 09/11/2013
Swampy don't get too excited about Ohbie's 'technique'. It's freaking private land in Ohio. Hang a stand anywhere, and a buck is bound to come by shortly.
19.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2013
Luv2---

Fern photos would be great! :tu:

At first I thought it might be something in your water, especially if this is around springs. Especially since I always think of Pa. as having a lot of lime, for some reason. Maybe driving past limestone on the parkway, or something from a dream, LOL. Green lakes? Who knows.


Then I figured out ferns like an acidic soils, supposedly, so the deer probably aren't going after lime, LOL.

But, I mean, like, who really nos all this stuff anyway? :wink We don't have much in the way of ferns most places I've been.
20.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2013
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;10616]Swampy don't get too excited about Ohbie's 'technique'. It's freaking private land in Ohio. Hang a stand anywhere, and a buck is bound to come by shortly.[/QUOTE]

LOL...

Pretty sure that's true...:wink
21.) Floyd - 09/11/2013
Dang Swampy, get a high fence and hire a couple of Crookedeye's friends already. Convert your rabbit pen. Then you just have to show up and shoot.

Okay, next question......
22.) Ohbuckhunter - 09/11/2013
Lol. See what u did there. I invested money in land instead of hooked on phonics. Now I have big deer but can't spell worth a lick.
23.) Hunter - 09/12/2013
In South Florida, I prefer hunting in thick swampy areas. Bucks seem to hang in the thickest area they can find. A few inches of water lets you hear their movement.
24.) Deerminator - 09/12/2013
My 2 cent; Now yall know I'm not a antler hunter.

I think it depends mainly on what land you are lucky enough to hunt on and what condition the herd is in.
Buck/doe ratios, bedding areas, food, all that stuff. Your area could look great most of the year but when the time comes the more dominant bucks could leave and all you have in your area are a few young bucks and one family group of does and yearlings.

I do believe that the bucks that know what's going on will travel the cross runs looking for does that are coming into heat. Then they will hang close, ( since the doe is in a family group close could be quite a distance off ), to that doe until she lets him in. Most rutting activity happens at night.

Now if the mature buck to buck ratio is right, or inflated, ( like ya see on TV ). Then rattling should work just like we see on TV.
25.) Swamp Fox - 09/12/2013
Okay, now that we've solved that problem--LOL--

(Discussion of pre-rut/tough food strategies will remain open--I'm just adding Day Two's topic to the thread.)

If you were king, what would be the most important changes you would make to the game laws in your area?

Don't be bashful. It's good to be the king. :wink

:pop:
26.) Ohbuckhunter - 09/12/2013
I would love to have earn a buck tag. We need more does taken out to help with the Buck to doe ratio. We always help with the doe population every year but allot of hunters only wanna kill something with a rack here. I'd also limit the buck that can be killed. Something like 8 points or more. Youth hunters have no limits on either one though.
27.) Deerminator - 09/12/2013
NYS.......where do I begin.
28.) Ohbuckhunter - 09/12/2013
Ima change my last statement with 8 points or more. Can't have that cause I would love to kill a big ass 6 point one day. 150" 6 point would be bad ass.
29.) DParker - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10631]If you were king, what would be the most important changes you would make to the game laws in your area?[/QUOTE]

Honestly, that's a tough question this year as TPWD has recently taken care of the more obvious deficiencies in the hunting regs (lifting the ban on use of suppressors, redefining the antler restrictions for whitetail bucks so that they need to be wider than the ear spread rather than a specific number of inches, etc). They even clarified the restrictions on electronic accessories on weapons so that it only refers to aritificial lights meant to illuminate game animals, and not include things like lighted sight pins and illuminated scope reticles (the previous reg was so general and vague that gear of that sort fell under the restriction).

I'm going to need to give this one some thought in order to come up with something to gripe about.
30.) Floyd - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10631]Okay, now that we've solved that problem--LOL--

(Discussion of pre-rut/tough food strategies will remain open--I'm just adding Day Two's topic to the thread.)

If you were king, what would be the most important changes you would make to the game laws in your area?

Don't be bashful. It's good to be the king. :wink

:pop:[/QUOTE]


Swampy, these need to be on separate, stand-alone threads if you not going to close the topic. CE will get on here and confuse topics and days.
31.) Swamp Fox - 09/12/2013
So you're saying he'll get on here?

That would be progress. :wink

I'm not sure this site can handle several hunting-related threads going at the same time. I think we'd better keep things simple until everyone understands the system. :fire:
32.) Swamp Fox - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=Ohbuckhunter;10637]Ima change my last statement with 8 points or more. Can't have that cause I would love to kill a big ass 6 point one day. 150" 6 point would be bad ass.[/QUOTE]

I always liked a width rule more, but state game departments seem to think hunters are too incompetent to gauge width vs. count points. They're both difficult under certain circumstances, but width is not impossible and does you much more good and is biologically almost goof-proof, vs. problems that can arise from a points rule.

I think earn-a-buck is a great idea but I remember it caused a lot of whining when it was first introduced. I definitely remember a lot of blubbering coming out of Wis-kaahnsin. :wink Not sure who else has it on a wide scale. I think I remember hearing of a few states that do it in certain counties, but maybe I'm mixing that up with an AR rule.

Do people still complain about it these days?
33.) bluecat - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10647]So you're saying he'll get on here?

That would be progress. :wink

I'm not sure this site can handle several hunting-related threads going at the same time. I think we'd better keep things simple until everyone understands the system. :fire:[/QUOTE]

LOL, :-)
34.) Forkie McRut - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=Ohbuckhunter;10635]I would love to have earn a buck tag. We need more does taken out to help with the Buck to doe ratio. We always help with the doe population every year but allot of hunters only wanna kill something with a rack here. I'd also limit the buck that can be killed. Something like 8 points or more. Youth hunters have no limits on either one though.[/QUOTE]

We have the Earn a Buck system here in MD. After the first, you have to kill 2 antlerless before you can take a second with the same weapon. Couple that with the phone-in/Internet check-ins and we have a LARGE number of ghost does being reported so people can "legally" take a 2nd buck.
35.) DParker - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10650]I always liked a width rule more[/quote]

Wait...are we still talking about deer and antlers?

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10650], but state game departments seem to think hunters are too incompetent to gauge width vs. count points. They're both difficult under certain circumstances, but width is not impossible and does you much more good and is biologically almost goof-proof, vs. problems that can arise from a points rule.[/QUOTE]

TX restrictions are still width-based, but as I indicated earlier they switched from specifying it in terms of a specific number of inches (which is definitely more difficult to gauge accurately) to specifying that the inside main beam spread must simply be wider than the ears, which is much easier to determine reliably...assuming you get a look at your buck when he's looking toward/away from you at some point.
36.) Ohbuckhunter - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=Forkie McRut;10654]We have the Earn a Buck system here in MD. After the first, you have to kill 2 antlerless before you can take a second with the same weapon. Couple that with the phone-in/Internet check-ins and we have a LARGE number of ghost does being reported so people can "legally" take a 2nd buck.[/QUOTE]

That's one thing I'm worried about to Brad. We started the tele check last year or the year before. I often wonder how many does have racks on there head. I turned a poacher in 2 years ago. It took the GW 8 days to even come out to get a statement. After the guy was proven guilty all they did was take his gun n Ls for 1 year. He poached a 168" buck and barely got his wrist slapped. Reason why I told that story is cause GW around us hardly show up to check anything let alone a solid case on a poacher.
37.) Ohbuckhunter - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=DParker;10655]Wait...are we still talking about deer and antlers?



TX restrictions are still width-based, but as I indicated earlier they switched from specifying it in terms of a specific number of inches (which is definitely more difficult to gauge accurately) to specifying that the inside main beam spread must simply be wider than the ears, which is much easier to determine reliably...assuming you get a look at your buck when he's looking toward/away from you at some point.[/QUOTE]

I don't like this rule either lol. The buck in my avatar is 6.5 years old and 173" deer. Only 14" wide. Wasn't past its ears.
38.) Swamp Fox - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=DParker;10655]Wait...are we still talking about deer and antlers?



[/QUOTE]

LOL..."There's a thread for that..."

See, Texas' system seems to work but you hear multiple game departments talk about the difficulty of a width system and actually pass it by for a points system.

I agree an outside the ears rule is much easier to deal with for hunters and enforcement than an "inch rule."
39.) Swamp Fox - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=Ohbuckhunter;10657]I don't like this rule either lol. The buck in my avatar is 6.5 years old and 173" deer. Only 14" wide. Wasn't past its ears.[/QUOTE]


You should have let him go...

:wink
40.) Ohbuckhunter - 09/12/2013
I would have but he gave me a look like he was big n tuff. I showed him who was boss
41.) DParker - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=Ohbuckhunter;10660]I would have but he gave me a look like he was big n tuff. [B]I showed him who was boss[/B][/QUOTE]

So then your wife was with you at the time?
42.) Swamp Fox - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=Forkie McRut;10654]We have the Earn a Buck system here in MD. After the first, you have to kill 2 antlerless before you can take a second with the same weapon. Couple that with the phone-in/Internet check-ins and we have a LARGE number of ghost does being reported so people can "legally" take a 2nd buck.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Ohbuckhunter;10656]That's one thing I'm worried about to Brad. We started the tele check last year or the year before. I often wonder how many does have racks on there head. [/QUOTE]

One thing a management-oriented hunter is going to have a problem with his game department over is that as an institution, the game department doesn't really care whether you shoot a buck or a doe, as long as you shoot one or the other. That may be an over-simplification, but they all start out with the idea that so many DEER must go, or so many DEER may be taken without harm to the resource (in all its many meanings).

It's only AFTER that that they worry about sex ratios, hunter satisfaction, etc. In most places, until they can get the population down (which usually involves killing more does) they can't afford to get too gung-ho about quality deer, or poaching for that matter.

They also build in a large fudge factor for poaching and reporting fraud from the get-go, and this is how you get the current enforcement and honor-system reporting situations that y'all are describing. Or, you can find systems even farther out on the spectrum, with no reporting at all. (SC would be an example---bucks on the honor system with no reporting at all (limits may apply), does on a tag system except for doe days, which are on the honor system.)
43.) Swamp Fox - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=DParker;10661]So then your wife was with you at the time?[/QUOTE]

:laugh: :laugh:
44.) Ohbuckhunter - 09/12/2013
[QUOTE=DParker;10661]So then your wife was with you at the time?[/QUOTE]

:hb:
45.) Deerminator - 09/12/2013
:laugh:
46.) XJCraver - 09/13/2013
If I was King.....

The very first thing we'd have to do with the DNR is remove their funding from the "General" pool for the State. They're always the first to get raided by our elected idiots, and they never have any money.

Once done with that, I'd fire every-single-person in the current DNR with ANY kind of management/executive/administrative job, and start over from scratch. They're ALL proven idiots.

Then I'd hire more Game Wardens - like, 3 times as many as we have now. If we're going to have laws that sportsmen are to follow, it'd be nice to have people out there to enforce them.

Then, when all that is done (3 days, max.), I'd re-write the Wildlife Code completely. Might even try it in English this time, so (most) everyone can understand it.
47.) luv2bowhunt - 09/13/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10650]I always liked a width rule more, but state game departments seem to think hunters are too incompetent to gauge width vs. count points. They're both difficult under certain circumstances, but width is not impossible and does you much more good and is biologically almost goof-proof, vs. problems that can arise from a points rule.[/QUOTE]

Boy, it seems like we had this discussion before somewhere...:-) I like the AR's in PA just the way they are. Gary Alt did a great deal of research for a couple years before determining what the 'average' 2 1/2 yr old buck looked like in PA.

Width was NOT the most noticeable trait separating the 1 1/2 from the 2 1/2 yr olds. Points were. So...they came up with a very decent and effective AR program based on points.

Maybe when you start getting into the older bucks, 3 1/2, 4 1/2, width starts being more noticeable, but the goal of the program was to get a certain percentage of bucks to make it to 2 1/2. From there, the law of averages automatically gets a higher number of bucks to make it to 3 1/2 and so on and so on.

I'm getting tired of proving you wrong on PA deer management. Pick a subject you know more about than me for today, like sun block, piggly wiggly, or pack horses.:grin::tu::wave:
48.) billy b - 09/13/2013
In Texas most 2&1/2ers have 14 points & a 23" spread, but some of them are bigger.:wink
49.) Swamp Fox - 09/13/2013
LOL Billy.

Luv2, do you have a link or a reference re. Pa. points being more determinate than width? I know that in some places young deer show a tendency to have, say, six or even eight points, whereas that would be freakish "most" everywhere else---Therefore, the idea that "your average points rule" should not be used in these areas if you are trying to let younger deer age.

I'm pretty sure that I've never heard that width wasn't a better determinant, though.

Not that I keep up with management techniques in every state, as you so rightly point out. :shh:

But I don't think I've ever heard you say points were a better gauge in Pa. than width. If you did and I missed it, apologies. I would have built it into my post. :wink Maybe it was between the lines since I think you have been generally approving of Pa. ARs.
50.) luv2bowhunt - 09/13/2013
Couldn't find anything in writing, but (and you're going to hate this), I did talk with Gary Alt at a seminar before AR's were implemented. He had a traveling show he was putting on trying to sell the entire concept.

He had displays of antlers, research, but what I remember was what he told me. Not sure it ever made it all the way to publication..??...

So, trust me I have it all up here.(pointing to brain area):tu:
51.) Swamp Fox - 09/13/2013
LOL...I am an admirer of Alt and am willing to trust you on this one...Don't ask me why. :wink I'm just stumped that after all this time I never picked up on the idea that points were a better indicator anywhere, much less in Pa.

I spend a lot of time watching what's going on in Pa. ...I guess because all the whining is so loud it's hard to ignore :wink...And also because we get a lot of Pa. hunters coming down here, LOL.
52.) Swamp Fox - 09/13/2013
[B]CroOkEdeYe Thread Tracker:[/B]

Topic One: Pre-Rut Strategies When Food is Tough

Topic Two: You're the King, So Make Some Rules

[B]And Today's (Additional) Topic: [/B]

[B]What are your favorite things about hunting, or what makes a good hunt for you? [/B]


One of my favorite things is that when I'm hunting, I'm not restless, thinking about other things very much...I kinda zone out...Not that I don't get some thinking done, but I get it done in a good way, LOL. And when I'm scouting or doing prep work, I'm not thinking about anything. Time becomes unimportant. I get done what I want to get done as fast or as slow as I want to do it. I spend a lot of time looking up into trees, down on the ground, and into the distance.

What makes a good hunt for me? One of the things is good weather. I like a pretty day. And low humidity. LOL.
53.) bluecat - 09/13/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10712][B]CroOkEdeYe Thread Tracker:[/B]

Topic One: Pre-Rut Strategies When Food is Tough

Topic Two: You're the King, So Make Some Rules

[B]And Today's (Additional) Topic: [/B]

[B]What are your favorite things about hunting, or what makes a good hunt for you? [/B]


One of my favorite things is that when I'm hunting, I'm not restless, thinking about other things very much...I kinda zone out...Not that I don't get some thinking done, but I get it done in a good way, LOL. And when I'm scouting or doing prep work, I'm not thinking about anything. Time becomes unimportant. I get done what I want to get done as fast or as slow as I want to do it. I spend a lot of time looking up into trees, down on the ground, and into the distance.

What makes a good hunt for me? One of the things is good weather. I like a pretty day. And low humidity. LOL.[/QUOTE]

For me it is all about seeing/interacting with some critters. Even if I don't have a chance at one, just seeing them is very satisfying. I feel like I'm participating in nature. It doesn't have to be the target animal at all. That is probably the number one thing I can think of.
54.) DParker - 09/13/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10712][B]And Today's (Additional) Topic: [/B]

[B]What are your favorite things about hunting, or what makes a good hunt for you?[/B][/QUOTE]

What is this...[I]The Sound of Music[/I]? Doe, a deer...a female deer....

My favorite things about hunting, in no particular order:

[LIST=1]
[*]It's not my job.
[*]It's not yard work.
[*]It's the closest I can get to real peace and quiet, and the absence of modern life for a while...which makes for nice recharge of my sanity battery.
[*]It satisfies a primitive instinct.
[*]It's not my job.
[*]It's not yard work.
[/LIST]
55.) Swamp Fox - 09/13/2013
[QUOTE=DParker;10718]What is this...[I]The Sound of Music[/I]? Doe, a deer...a female deer....

[/QUOTE]


LOL..I KNEW there was something funny-sounding about my question! But I was too lazy to figure out what...LOL
56.) Albertabowhunter - 09/16/2013
Topic 1:

I prefer to travel corridors between the food sources and bedding areas. I dislike disturbing either of these 2 areas. Bucks will be travelling during pre rut marking their territories and as it gets closer to the rut they will be searching for early does....

Hunting over food sources, I find, can be very productive in the 1st week of the season. After that, if there any suspected hunting pressure, Deer will enter these areas later in the evening and leave earlier in the morning. If your on travel routes, you should still have plenty of time to get one before legal light disappears.
57.) Albertabowhunter - 09/16/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;10712][B]CroOkEdeYe Thread Tracker:[/B]


[B]What are your favorite things about hunting, or what makes a good hunt for you? [/B]

[/QUOTE]

Sights and sounds. The smell and colors of the fall when its in full swing. Love seeing the deer and moose, and watching them.
58.) Swamp Fox - 09/25/2013
Man, I leave for a while and this place falls apart! :fire:

[QUOTE=Albertabowhunter;10799]Topic 1:

I prefer to travel corridors between the food sources and bedding areas. I dislike disturbing either of these 2 areas. Bucks will be travelling during pre rut marking their territories and as it gets closer to the rut they will be searching for early does....

Hunting over food sources, I find, can be very productive in the 1st week of the season. After that, if there any suspected hunting pressure, Deer will enter these areas later in the evening and leave earlier in the morning. If your on travel routes, you should still have plenty of time to get one before legal light disappears.[/QUOTE]


Good post!
59.) Swamp Fox - 09/25/2013
[B]Fresh Topic[/B]

What are the one or two best books, articles or TV shows you've ever seen on hunting, and why?
60.) Ohbuckhunter - 09/25/2013
Best DVD I have seen was lee n Tiffany behind the bucks. It's a DVD about why they hunt where they do. Why they place food plots where they do. It's a great show to learn a thing or 2.
61.) Ventilator - 09/25/2013
American Sniper is very good by Chris Kyle....depending on the type of huntin. :wink




Also, Joe Kellys old whitetail tactics book from the 80s is actually pretty informative for Southern hunting.
62.) Swamp Fox - 09/26/2013
I agree Joe Kelly's book is good. In many ways ahead of his time. In some ways, STILL ahead of a lot of most of what you get in the outdoor media. I remember some of his videotapes were very good, too.

As far as other how-to items, Brad Herndon was always good. And Gary Clancy was always a huge favorite of mine.

[I]In Defense of Hunting[/I] and [I]The Sacred Art of Hunting[/I] by James Swann are tops on my list of books about the "whys" of hunting.

There are a couple of collections of short stories and/or essays on hunting I can recommend if anyone's interested.

And Tom Kelley's books [I]The Tenth Legion[/I] and [I]Better on a Rising Tide[/I] are classics for good reason.

I'm sure I'll think of more stuff later...



Oh, Roger Raglan! :wink: grin:

:grin:
63.) Ventilator - 09/26/2013
jiminy christmas! u cant forget about him. :grin:
64.) bluecat - 09/26/2013
I'm going to vote for the Drury Brothers in Luv2's absence. They rock.
65.) Swamp Fox - 09/26/2013
Typo in my last post: Tom [B]Kelly[/B]....
66.) Swamp Fox - 01/14/2014
Today's topic: .223 for coyotes...


Not sure that we have a big interested audience, but what loads are you interested in/ do you recommend?... 300 yards and under (mostly much under). I am more interested in heavier bullets than lighter ones, within reason. One-in-nine barrel twist. Wind-bucking ability would be nice, if you have any thoughts on that.
67.) Ohbuckhunter - 01/14/2014
22-250.

I'm liking number 2 Jump traps for getting yotes and foxes and now coons
68.) DParker - 01/14/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;14611]Today's topic: .223 for coyotes...


Not sure that we have a big interested audience, but what loads are you interested in/ do you recommend?... 300 yards and under (mostly much under). I am more interested in heavier bullets than lighter ones, within reason. One-in-nine barrel twist. Wind-bucking ability would be nice, if you have any thoughts on that.[/QUOTE]

I don't hunt coyotes, but I can approach this from a general hunting ballistics angle....

As with just about anything else, there's probably going to be at least some compromising amongst the competing criteria. Your 1:9 twist rate [I]might[/I] put an upper-limit on bullet weight (or more accurately, length), but you never really know until you test it out. If so, that puts you at odds with the wind-bucking concern to some (as of yet unknown) degree, as that calls for high BC (and therefor, momentum), both of which generally increase with mass. If pelts are your goal then you're obviously going to want to keep fragmentation to a minimum, if any. In that case I'd think that a load tipped with something like a bullet from the Barnes TSX line would be ideal. Their TTSX (polymer-tipped TSX) .224" offerings include a 62 gr pill, but they strongly recommend a 1:8 twist or faster for it. That leaves the 55 gr. TTSX, which is fine for 1:9...but a bit on the light side. If you don't mind sacrificing a tiny bit of BC (.007, practically nothing) the regular TSX (no polymer tip) 62 grainer is listed as good-to-go for 1:9 barrels. They offer a 70 grain TSX, but also listed for 1:8 or faster.

Since Barnes solids are longer than lead-core bullets of the same weight I'm inclined to take their stated twist requirements seriously. Oh, and their "Varminator"/"Varmint Grenade" lines only go up to 36 gr/50 gr respectively, so I wouldn't look at them even if pelts don't matter...assuming you plan on ever shooting out to that 300 yd limit.
69.) Swamp Fox - 01/14/2014
[QUOTE=DParker;14613]As with just about anything else, there's probably going to be at least some compromising amongst the competing criteria. [/QUOTE]


:pop:

:wink
70.) Swamp Fox - 01/14/2014
[QUOTE=Ohbuckhunter;14612]22-250.

[/QUOTE]

If they make one in a semi-auto, let me know. ;)


I have always liked the .22-250 on paper, and several rifles chambered for it, but have never found a use for one.


I was gonna throw the 5.7 x 28 out there, because I'm interested in it, but between being a little on the small side and ammo scarce as hens' teeth, I decided .223 would be the topic. I also figured more people on here shoot it vs. the .204 Ruger.
71.) Deerminator - 01/14/2014
Never shot one:co:
72.) luv2bowhunt - 01/15/2014
How many of you consider yourselves to be true predator hunters? I am thinking of getting into it, told wife about it, she gave me the cold blank stare.:ek:

She doesn't know details, but I could see she knew it will take some $ to get started. I don't know of anyone around here who is a true predator hunter.
73.) Ventilator - 01/15/2014
i will concur with Dp on the 62gr Barnes. Be tough to beat that one in .223.

Now, Im taking my 6.8spc to NE Feb 7-10 to do some predator hunting. My load will be Hornady 110gr VMX specifically for varmints. The rifle is an Ambush with Burris 3x9 optics with mil-dots. Made by Daniel Defense and extremely accurate on an AR platform.

My son shot a coyote in SC back in December with his 7mm-08. He was loaded with Rem 120gr HP. Made quite the huge hole in the dog. I dont recommend that one if you plan to save the pelts.

Good luck, the more dead the better. :)
74.) Swamp Fox - 01/15/2014
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;14633]How many of you consider yourselves to be true predator hunters? I am thinking of getting into it, told wife about it, she gave me the cold blank stare.:ek:

She doesn't know details, but I could see she knew it will take some $ to get started. I don't know of anyone around here who is a true predator hunter.[/QUOTE]


I know I don't. We don't have enough coyotes to mess with around here. They're in pockets, so if you have permission to hunt a pocket where they happen to be, I suppose you're "lucky."

Fox hunting rules are pretty complicated, and red foxes are having trouble hanging on some places, between the grays and the coyotes when they do move in. I've never been able to muster any enthusiasm for killing foxes (except that I would love to have a red fox mount). I have three grays in the woods behind the house that are regular visitors to the woodline out my kitchen window.

Coyotes and foxes are kinda totem animals for me, anyway, so I may be more inclined to leave them alone than other people are. Especially where they're not overrunning the place.

Almost the same thing goes for bears. I've tried to do some bear hunting, without much luck. Not something I look to do much anymore.

Never hunted any cats. There's the very occasional bobcat around, but I haven't seen one myself in decades. The mountain lions that the game commission released are pretty secretive, too, although I found some tracks the other day I should show someone a picture of...

Birds of prey: all illegal to kill, as far as I know. Raccoons, I leave to trappers. I like watching them too much, plus I haven't come up with a good way of cooking them in all these years. I don't mind popping them in their fat furry butts with the pellet pistol when they come around to steal cat food, though. Same goes for possums. In fact, I have invented an entire game around the activity: "Porch Possum Potshot." I'm thinking about maybe having guests over to play on Saturday nights...

I tend not to see animals as nuisances, even if they are classified as pests or varmints, so I usually take a live-and-let-live attitude. Some exceptions, of course. Feral dogs and venomous snakes come to mind in the predator category. Rats and Obama administration officials in the pest/varmint category...I'd like to poke a few of them with a stick...:bad: :wink
75.) Swamp Fox - 01/15/2014
[QUOTE=Ventilator;14638]Now, Im taking my 6.8spc to NE Feb 7-10 to do some predator hunting. [/QUOTE]

Good luck! Don't eat yellow snow! That's what I've heard anyway! :-)

I think a coyote hunt out west would be a blast. In good weather, of course...LOL
76.) Jon - 01/15/2014
I have used the 62gr Federals out of my .223 on foxes out to 200yds. My single shot is setup for much longer and I will say that I'd feel comfortable out to 350 simply because I haven't shot beyond that range and have never shot an animal past 200.
My AR is setup as a close in rifle, I use the 55gr federals with it and I'm comfortable out to 150+/- on animals. It certainly could be setup to reach further but I don't have it setup for long range. it's a 1/9 twist and all dolled up.
77.) Swamp Fox - 01/15/2014
Thank you Jon, Kenny and DP for your feedback on load choice. My understanding is 1:9 will stabilize a slightly heavier bullet (up into the mid-70's if I recall) but I'm not sure I see the need for what I described, especially out of a shorter barrel.

62 gr. sounds like the place to start.

:wave::tu::wave:
78.) Swamp Fox - 01/15/2014
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;14633] I am thinking of getting into it, told wife about it, she gave me the cold blank stare.:ek:

[/QUOTE]


You get that a lot, don't you?

:poke:
79.) Wild Bob - 01/15/2014
There's experts around here...? LOL! Only kidding. :-)

I focus on well used trails, especially trails that double as funnel points.

Another tactic that I've used occasionally, if the deer aren't pressured bad, are to set up on edges of cover and open fields where I've patterned the deer browsing in the open. I my opinion, (and I've seen this in three very different geographic regions of the country) in years when typical food sources in the cover fail, deer will always supplement or go to more grasses.

I like your idea Swampy. Let's keep something on target.
80.) Wild Bob - 01/15/2014
Well that was weird...I opened the topics of the day and saw the original post...Then totally missed the rest of the thread. I'm out of context and order, disregard.
81.) Swamp Fox - 01/15/2014
No problem, Wild Bob. We let a lot of stuff slide around here. :wink

You make a good point, anyway.

Not sure this is a fair point to make, since it's anecdotal (:re::wink:fire:) but I saw a lot more deer on wheat last December (2012) than I did this year (2013). The difference(s)?: There was more wheat out this year to disperse the deer this year, and a lot more acorns left in the woods. So pick one or both.

I mean, like, who really nos all this stuff anyway?
82.) luv2bowhunt - 01/15/2014
You've never been in the farming industry so I won't even listen to your argument on that.
83.) Swamp Fox - 01/15/2014
I was around tobacco when I was a kid, and then I started chewing it...Also, I've grown tomatoes three or four times...

But you're right: The lawyers killed tobacco, I quit chewing it, and I haven't planted a garden in years...So I am not worthy...

:wave:
84.) DParker - 01/15/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;14639]Raccoons, I leave to trappers. I like watching them too much, plus I haven't come up with a good way of cooking them in all these years.[/QUOTE]

I've made sausage out of them and used it for chili and a really good spaghetti sauce. Herb and spice most any meat up enough and it's usable.
85.) Swamp Fox - 01/15/2014
Well, that's certainly true.

Do you have a primary herb/spice that you like for the spaghetti sauce?


I've only tried roasts.
86.) DParker - 01/15/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;14642]My understanding is 1:9 will stabilize a slightly heavier bullet (up into the mid-70's if I recall)[/QUOTE]

Actually, it depends. Some will and some wont. And it depends on the bullet, too. Like I said, required twist rate for proper stabilization is really based on bullet length, not weight. But since bullets are specified according to weight, and lead-core ones of the same weight are generally about the same length (or at least, close enough for these purposes) we use weight as our guide. However, that only stays an apples-to-apples thing if you're talking ONLY about either lead-core or non-lead solids. You can correctly stabilize a 70 grain lead-core pill with a slower twist rate than you can a 70 grain copper (or more correctly, alloys thereof) solids because the latter are longer due to the metal's lower density compared with lead.
87.) DParker - 01/15/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;14667]Well, that's certainly true.

Do you have a primary herb/spice that you like for the spaghetti sauce?[/QUOTE]

I used a pre-mixed herb and spice package. I don't recall which one, but I think it was essentially a basic sage-based sausage mix.
88.) Swamp Fox - 01/15/2014
[QUOTE=DParker;14668] However, that only stays an apples-to-apples thing if you're talking ONLY about either lead-core or non-lead solids. You can correctly stabilize a 70 grain lead-core pill with a slower twist rate than you can a 70 grain copper (or more correctly, alloys thereof) solids because the latter are longer due to the metal's lower density compared with lead.[/QUOTE]


Good point. Also, I assume your point about "some will and some won't" has primarily to do with barrel length?

My fluency in varmint loads is nearly zero.
89.) Swamp Fox - 01/15/2014
[QUOTE=DParker;14669]I used a pre-mixed herb and spice package. I don't recall which one, but I think it was essentially a basic sage-based sausage mix.[/QUOTE]


I was gonna guess sage. It would take care of some of the raccoon taste, LOL.
90.) Ventilator - 01/15/2014
THas ok Bob, im not sure swampy remembers from one day to the next anyway. :grin::wave:
91.) Swamp Fox - 01/15/2014
I know, right?

Thank God it's Friday...
92.) Wild Bob - 01/15/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;14684]I know, right?

Thank God it's Friday...[/QUOTE]

:cf: What are you like in Indonesia this week... LOL
93.) DParker - 01/15/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;14671]Good point. Also, I assume your point about "some will and some won't" has primarily to do with barrel length?[/QUOTE]

Honestly, I have yet to find a thoroughly convincing explanation of the reason(s) why two barrels with the same rate of twist sometimes differ in their ability to stabilize some bullets. I tend to doubt the barrel-length hypothesis simply because most bullets have already reached their maximum velocity before exiting most rifle-length barrels, so I wouldn't think that continuing to engage the rifling for a slightly longer period of time would have any noticeable impact on stabilization since it have close to the same rotational velocity in either case. But I might be missing something there.
94.) Swamp Fox - 01/15/2014
I'm gonna put it down to magic, and worry about something else...


LOL
95.) Wild Bob - 01/15/2014
[QUOTE=DParker;14699]Honestly, I have yet to find a thoroughly convincing explanation of the reason(s) why two barrels with the same rate of twist sometimes differ in their ability to stabilize some bullets. I tend to doubt the barrel-length hypothesis simply because most bullets have already reached their maximum velocity before exiting most rifle-length barrels, so I wouldn't think that continuing to engage the rifling for a slightly longer period of time would have any noticeable impact on stabilization since it have close to the same rotational velocity in either case. But I might be missing something there.[/QUOTE]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and throw out my thoughts...One can argue rate of twist and velocity on the barrel, but I would think sectional density and ballistic coefficient comes into play as well. There, I've said it. Now y'all can stomp all over, kick it around, and dismiss it if you choose. :poke:
96.) DParker - 01/16/2014
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;14705]I'm gonna go out on a limb here and throw out my thoughts...One can argue rate of twist and velocity on the barrel, but I would think sectional density and ballistic coefficient comes into play as well. There, I've said it. Now y'all can stomp all over, kick it around, and dismiss it if you choose. :poke:[/QUOTE]

Well, if sectional density comes into play then ballistic coefficient must as well, as the latter is a function of the former.



Where [I]SD[/I] = Section Density

That said, I suppose in theory BC plays at least [I]some[/I] role in the long term stabilization of a bullet, but I think that role would be extremely minimal. Especially when it comes to explaining why the exact same bullet design (with the same BC, of course), with the same case+powder+primer combination under it, exhibits different stabilization effects when fired through different barrels.
97.) Deerminator - 01/16/2014
Perhaps it's in the manufacturing of the twist.
Wear on cutting tools. Combination of low to high tolerances.
Machined before or after lunch.:buds:
98.) DParker - 01/16/2014
[QUOTE=Deerminator;14721]Perhaps it's in the manufacturing of the twist.
Wear on cutting tools. Combination of low to high tolerances.
Machined before or after lunch.:buds:[/QUOTE]

I'll buy that. It's at least as good an explanation as anything else I've heard.
99.) luv2bowhunt - 01/16/2014
Just throwing this out there, how do you KNOW what the twist is in reality? Is there a way to check it or are you at the mercy of what you're told by the manufacturer?

You know a 32" TV isn't really 32".
100.) Deerminator - 01/16/2014
If you have the right measuring instruments;
sure you can check it.
101.) DParker - 01/16/2014
While it's not laboratory precise, you can get close enough for gubmint work by using a cleaning rod with a swiveling handle. Mark a spot near the handle end of the rod with a sharpie or something so you can see it easily. Then put an extra patch on the other end to ensure that it digs into the grooves well and slowly push the rod in through the breech until the end is flush with the muzzle, counting how many rotations the rod makes along the way. Mark the rod where it's flush with the breech end of the barrel and measure the number of inches from that point to the end of the rod that was flush with the muzzle. Divide the length measured by the rotations you counted and reduce that fraction to an equivalent one with 1 as the numerator. For instance, a 16" of rifling that produced just a hair over 2 rotations has a twist rate of 1:7.7 (which is truncated and represented as sim0ly 1:7 by manufacturers...which causes some confusion with 1:8 twist barrels, which isn't quite correct either).
102.) luv2bowhunt - 01/16/2014
This is starting to sound like one of those, 'if a train leaves Chicago at 3:45 PM and is traveling at 45 MPH..'
kind of things.

I'm going to go stare out the window and see if I can imagine images in the clouds.
103.) Deerminator - 01/16/2014
PICS!!
104.) Swamp Fox - 04/24/2014
Is it time to dredge this up again? Seems more fun than starting a separate thread.

Today's topic:

[B]Do turkeys hush when coyotes are in the area?

[/B]


You hear this every once in a while. I'm skeptical, but I'd like to hear everyone's opinion.

And I don't mean do turkeys get temporarily quiet when danger is detected right in front of them. I mean do they develop a reluctance to vocalize because of a fear of drawing predators?

I don't have a lot of experience with coyotes and almost none where I'd say they've "settled in." Pass through or appear sporadically, yes, but settled in? I'm not willing to call it that.

I've only hunted turkeys out west a few times and there were certainly coyotes around. The Western birds seem like some of the gobblinest and chattiest buggers I could ever image. Compared to the birds in the three states I have the most experience with, Western birds talk their heads off.

Yet sometimes you hear people who don't have any more coyotes than I do around here go off on the quiet turkey theory at the first report of Wile E. in the neighborhood.

Discuss...
105.) bluecat - 04/24/2014
I don't know about that, but I once put an arrow through a turkey mid gobble. He was silent after that.
106.) Ventilator - 04/24/2014
Last experience I had with this was when I messed up lukes hunt two years ago near the house. Coyotes sounded off just before light as we were setting up. At least 4 of them. I thought, no way turkeys will come by now. Well a little bit later I let out some soft yelps. Immediately answered by two gobbles just up the ridge. By the time it got light,there were 3 birds sounding off full steam. The hit the ground runnin and gobbling all the way too us. Luke had his bow and we were backed up against a high mound of dirt on the creek bank. Birds proceeded to come all the way in , even up and over the damn mound of dirt right on top of us. No chance for a shot. Even tho we didn't move , they hauled ass. That's my bad for not bringing the blind that morning. As for the coyotes, we never saw them but they didn't seem to hurt our chances any. Did that part all by ourselves.lol
107.) Deerminator - 04/24/2014
Lets talk about what we all bring for lunch in the stand.

I'll start by leting yall know that garlic meatballs is a bad idea:-)
108.) Ventilator - 04/24/2014
Neither is wipin your ass with an old fertilizer bag.
109.) Deerminator - 04/24/2014
Truer words were never spok'n
110.) Swamp Fox - 04/24/2014
LOL...Somehow I think the two might be related.

If I'm gonna bring something to eat, it's Nature Valley granola bars, mostly out of recent laziness. On the rare occasions I pack a sandwich anymore it's ham and turkey ---or roast beef! :wink---because those don't smell that bad. If I have to keep warm/up the calories, I bring frosted oatmeal cookies. :-)
111.) Deerminator - 04/24/2014
I don't worry about the aroma much cause lunch doesn't last very long.
I'll bring any and everything from KFC to last nights left overs. Including a desert.:grin:
112.) Swamp Fox - 04/24/2014
Usually if get anything from KFC the day before a hunt, it turns out I just borrowed it...
113.) bluecat - 04/24/2014
Gorp is a good choice. Throw in some m&m's, assorted nuts.
114.) Deerminator - 04/24/2014
Does gorp include any sort of dead animal?
115.) DParker - 04/24/2014
Oddly enough I never get hungry while in the woods, or if I do I just never recognize it. I always have a cup of coffee during the drive out of town, but never eat anything until after I get back to the parking area, no matter how long I've been in (which is generally much longer when I'm by myself...my son doesn't share my ability to forget about food for the entire morning). But immediately after walking out it's like someone flipped a "Your Empty" switch in my stomach. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I'm always in one of two opposite states:

[LIST=1]
[*]Really relaxed and just enjoying the quiet (to the point of nearly dozing off)
[*]Constantly on alert because the woods are particularly alive with sounds and/or little critters scurrying by me that morning
[/LIST]
Neither of those mental states ever has me thinking about food.
116.) Swamp Fox - 04/24/2014
I think technically you can have jerky in gorp. :wink

Mostly it's nuts, grains and dried fruit, though. And maybe some candy as Bluecat describes.

Fortunately, PETA hasn't gotten into the gorp-regulation business yet, though many of the gorp-eaters are a natural constituency.

The trouble I always had with gorp was that when I mixed it, it was always heavy as hell...LOL

But you can make some great gorp if you you don't care about weight, LOL...
117.) Swamp Fox - 04/24/2014
[QUOTE=DParker;19189]Oddly enough I never get hungry while in the woods, or if I do I just never recognize it. I always have a cup of coffee during the drive out of town, but never eat anything until after I'm done for the day. But immediately after walking out it's like someone flipped a "Your Empty" switch in my stomach. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I'm always in one of two opposite states:

[LIST=1]
[*]Really relaxed and just enjoying the quiet (to the point of nearly dozing off)
[*]Constantly on alert because the woods are particularly alive with sounds and/or little critters scurrying by me that morning
[/LIST]
Neither of those mental states ever has me thinking about food.[/QUOTE]

I often "forget" to eat while hunting. I routinely lose weight during hunting season. And I'm not climbing mountains or doing "extreme hunting", LOL...Bite me, millennials...::re:

On the other hand, I will often take time to make a big deal of cooking something. When I'm in the zone, it's the former. When I've had my fill of that, I enjoy the "camp time" aspect of what I'm doing, and that will involve cooking and eating.

I'm sure if you looked up the behavior of "hunting cultures" you'd find the same thing...Sometimes you are laser-beam focused on the hunt and will not eat, and other times eating is a major part of the hunt.
118.) Deerminator - 04/24/2014
A favorite is venison or turkey and dressing sandwiches with apple or pumpkin pie.
119.) Ventilator - 04/25/2014
A swampy fav is 5lbs of Spaghetti!! He is a professional! :hb:
120.) Deerminator - 04/25/2014
OH yea,
I've had spaghetti more than once for my hunting lunch.
Meatballs and sausage. Buttered bread.

OH BABY:tu:
121.) Wild Bob - 09/04/2014
So are we going to let this gem die...what on the cusp of another hunting season??? What's wrong with you people? :-)

So what are your favorite hunting boots and why?
122.) Swamp Fox - 09/04/2014
Ooh! Ooh! Pick me!



For snake boots, the best I've ever owned are Danner Jackal IIs. Very light, like wearing tennis shoes, and no stupid zippers to crap out on you. They do require a little breaking in. Supposedly waterproof, but that only goes so far. Personally, I think people who look at a goretex boot and say "Let's advertise it as waterproof" should be taken out to the swamp, shot in the kneecaps, and fed to the gators. Biggest scam in the outdoor recreation industry.

For waterproof plus snake protection, I'm liking a set of Bogs Copperheads, which are neoprene and rubber with cordura protection panels. Not the lightest pair of boots in world, but you'll tear up three pair of Lacrosse Burlys before you put a scratch on these. The model that replaces the Copperhead these days is the Diamondback, advertised as extremely lightweight. Haven't tried them, but they're on my list.

For a neoprene boot, I like the Bogs Blaze MT (?) a lot. I will wear Lacrosse Burlys, especially when I don't want any insulation at all, but the Bogs are much tougher for walking through brush and sharp stuff, for climbing trees, and the foot won't separate from the boot the way Burlys always do. I would like it if they made the Bogs taller, but they don't.

For a leather boot, the best I ever owned were some Meindls made for Cabelas. I could find the exact model if someone wants it. Very decent water-resistance out of the box, very comfortable, minimal or no break-in, pretty light for an all-leather boot, and a good tread pattern.

And then there are my cowboy boots...:wink
123.) Floyd - 09/04/2014
Army combat boot (Danner). Top 10 reasons

10. Desert Tan - Great color. Accessorizes with anything and everything.
9. Suede - The dirt, blood and mud just brushes off.
8. Long Laces - For bow drill fire starting
7. Gortex - water proof, Yes!!
6. Fiberglass shank - No nails in the foot or metal detector going off in the airport.
5. Gortex - Keeps feet dry and cool in summer and warm in winter (wicking).
4. lugged - You know, for lugging deer and stuff.
3. Tough - and rough enough for combat, tough enough for hunting.
2. Soldier, Sailors, Airman and Marines (Salute)

And the number one reason - If they'r good enough for Mom, they's good enough for me.
124.) Swamp Fox - 09/04/2014
LOL...
125.) DParker - 09/05/2014
I've heard a lot of people complain about Rocky, but I have a pair of their uninsulated 16" ProHunter snake boots (now discontinued) that I've been wearing for, I think, five seasons now and I've been pretty happy with them. They're comfortable, fairly light and once they're laced properly the side zippers work fine, getting me in and out of them in no time. And while I'd hesitate to call them water "proof", they're definitely pretty resistant. I routinely slog through mud and water that's well more than ankle deep and have yet to end up with even semi-damp feet.

Luckily, I've never had to test their resistance to hypodermic fangs.
126.) Swamp Fox - 09/05/2014
I've eventually had a problem with every pair of Rockys I've ever owned (mostly snake boots) with something like a zipper breaking or the sole (especially the toe guard) separating from the boot. However, I have a pair that I like well enough (Lynxs, I think..snake boots) that I put some money into repairs and went looking for stragglers when they discontinued them.


Attention, Walmart Shoppers!:

Well..lo and behold! I went to Rocky's site and it looks like they brought the Lynx back. They also have a Prolight Snake and a Prolight Waterproof Snake that I'd consider. They've changed the construction enough, it looks like, that I could see giving Rocky another whirl...
127.) Hunter - 09/05/2014
Cabelas' zip-up snake boots. Very comfortable!!
128.) Swamp Fox - 09/05/2014
Hunter knows swamp stompers! Here he is putting on some rubbers...

Supervising is my buddy Boo Boo.

 photo 100_1116_zps3a651f6d.jpg">
129.) DParker - 09/05/2014
[QUOTE=Hunter;24237]Cabelas' zip-up snake boots. Very comfortable!![/QUOTE]

My son has those, and likes them well enough. They're also the first pair he's been able to wear for more than one year since his feet finally stopped growing...at size 13.
130.) Hunter - 09/05/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24238]Hunter knows swamp stompers! Here he is putting on some rubbers...

Supervising is my buddy Boo Boo.

 photo 100_1116_zps3a651f6d.jpg">[/QUOTE]

Say hi to Boo Boo for me.

You ever going to head to San Antonio?
131.) bluecat - 09/05/2014
I bought a pair of Rockys a few years back and the sole dissolved in the box before I could wear them. Obviously they changed something cause I'm still wearing a pair that is almost 20 years old. I won't be buying Rockys anytime soon. When I spoke with customer service they were pretty snippy about it and didn't admit to anything. There was a huge thread about this on the dark side awhile ago.

I was all set to buy a pair of Danner Pronghorns and even tried them on in Cabelas. They were out of my size and couldn't. The Pronghorn was discontinued and replaced with a "new and better" version that features a glued on sole as opposed to the old crappy sewn on style :re: Won't be buying these either.
132.) DParker - 09/05/2014
Maybe I got lucky. Mine are holding up quite well. The soles are in good shape and showing no signs at all of separating.

Of course, now that I've said that...watch them fall apart on me this season.
133.) Swamp Fox - 09/05/2014
San Antonio is one place I'd like to go before I die. My sister and her husband bought a small house for him when he was stationed there a couple of years ago; last I knew they were renting it out. Maybe I'll get recruited to go out there and clean it up when it comes time to sell, LOL.

Boo Boo still talks about that trip. He's kicking himself he "lost" his pictures on his computer (knows less about 'puters than I do, LOL). If you have any pictures of the cabin you can send me, especially the inside, he'd be like a kid at Christmas.
134.) DParker - 09/05/2014
I can see it now: Swampy's Big Adventure...

[video=youtube_share;9cHLoHou8uY]http://youtu.be/9cHLoHou8uY[/video]
135.) Deerminator - 09/05/2014
:laugh:
136.) Swamp Fox - 09/05/2014
LOL... I'll have to brush up on my [I]Tequila [/I]dance before I go out there :wink Thanks for reminding me. :-)


[QUOTE=DParker;24249]Maybe I got lucky. Mine are holding up quite well. The soles are in good shape and showing no signs at all of separating.

Of course, now that I've said that...watch them fall apart on me this season.[/QUOTE]


I vaguely remember learning--but keep the emphasis on vaguely--that Rocky had either had a bad batch of soles or glue, and/or they were changing their process to take corrective measures around the time I was having my problems. From my quick peek at their site last night, it looked like they have redesigned the soles on at least the models I looked at so they might be less prone to peeling off.

Cabelas has such a great guarantee on their branded stuff that if a choice came down to Cabelas vs. Rocky---and Cabelas has a lot of stuff that competes directly with Rocky and that niche-- I'd say why experiment?

Other good boot choices:

Bates for a combat-boot style (I have no experience with their other stuff)---Their M8 is awesome, assuming it's the same M8 I bought two pair of in anticipation of them changing something without my permission

LL Bean Maine Hunting Boot--My go-to hunting boot on flat land when I don't have to deal with water. Rubber foot with leather uppers in various heights including snake-height, great customer and repair service. Buy them in the right size, wear them with the right socks and a good insole and they're neither too hot nor too cold...they're just right. The fairytale porridge of boots, you might say.

I'd like to hear what people think about Irish Setters. I have a pair of upland boots by them that I like quite a bit (discontinued now, of course) but I did have one horrible Achilles tendon-chewing episode chasing hogs in steep terrain. I thought the boots were broken in sufficiently, so maybe it was my socks. I kinda doubt it. I'm skeered of using them on any kind of grade now, but they get good use where I don't have to do a lot of steepish up and down. It's most likely that they were just too "upland" for what were really "mountain" conditions. I'd consider the brand again if I got good reports from our vast pool of experience on HuntingCountry.
137.) Swamp Fox - 09/05/2014
....
138.) Wild Bob - 09/05/2014
For leather boots, I've had good luck with Cabela's Outfitter Series Pro-hunter boots (9" 400 grams insulation). They are just a solid, well made boot that can take serious punishment. Break in takes a while, as they are true all leather boot...but once they're broken in, they are very comfortable and supportive. I’ve used them in warmer weather and in snow…great boots when you are active hunting, hiking and or packing a lot.

Rubber style boots I've been using Muck boots (don't chide me...bought them way before all the controversy!) I went to those after years of using either Lacrosse or Cabelas rubber boots which if I was lucky would only last two seasons at the most. I tried the Mucks because all the ranchers around here swear by them and live in them all late fall, winter and spring. As much as I hate to admit it; they were good boots for stand hunting whitetails and general kicking around in muddy conditions. Not sure what I'll do for a replacement...
139.) Swamp Fox - 09/05/2014
Bogs as a replacement for Mucks, Wild Bob. See the Blaze MT (I think that's the model name---I could look it up).

Muck always wanted too much money for their boots as far as I'm concerned.

I haven't checked in on the Muck thing in a few weeks. Somebody pipe up if the is anything new or juicy we should know.
140.) DParker - 09/05/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24257]I'd like to hear what people think about Irish Setters.[/QUOTE]

My mother got one a few years after I struck out on my own. She was a sweet, lovable dog...but dumb as a bag of hammers.
141.) bluecat - 09/05/2014
[QUOTE=DParker;24282]My mother got one a few years after I struck out on my own. She was a sweet, lovable dog...but dumb as a bag of hammers.[/QUOTE]

redheads...
142.) Deerminator - 09/05/2014
Swampy don;t goggle Red heads:ek:
143.) Swamp Fox - 09/05/2014
LOL...Been there, done that :wink....When I was looking for Bass Pro Shops, LOL
144.) DParker - 09/05/2014
Be careful when looking for Dick's Sporting Goods, too.
145.) Deerminator - 09/05/2014
:-)....
146.) Floyd - 09/07/2014
Hunting Topic of the Day

When will DParker or Swampy create a thread for posting results for the Deer Contest?

I think we should let CE create it.
147.) crookedeye - 09/07/2014
did deer season start already???
148.) Floyd - 09/07/2014
[QUOTE=crookedeye;24460]did deer season start already???[/QUOTE]

It might have. Go check.

Come back in a few days and let us know.
149.) crookedeye - 09/07/2014
[QUOTE=DParker;24327]Be careful when looking for Dick's Sporting Goods, too.[/QUOTE]

billy never chooses his words wisely...
150.) crookedeye - 09/07/2014
I think I may go next weekend..take the crossbow out.. maybe kill something..
151.) Swamp Fox - 09/07/2014
I imagine DP was waiting for the first kill before worrying too much about it. Now that we have it, I will start the kill thread this afternoon and DP can put together his famous spreadsheet.
152.) crookedeye - 09/07/2014
[QUOTE=crookedeye;24463]billy never chooses his words wisely...[/QUOTE]

that was surreal everything was in cadence....billy thank you for making my day...lol...
153.) crookedeye - 09/07/2014
dp should just post a spread sheet on the team members and nicknames for each member... just to get things going..
154.) DParker - 09/07/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24465]I imagine DP was waiting for the first kill before worrying too much about it. Now that we have it, I will start the kill thread this afternoon and DP can put together his famous spreadsheet.[/QUOTE]

All ready to go. Where do we want it posted this time? Last season we had stuff spread out across multiple threads and it was a little confusing. Maybe it should go into the kill-reporting thread on the first Monday of every week...or maybe the first Tuesday, so people can have a day after the weekend to get their act together and get stuff reported by EOB Monday.
155.) DParker - 09/07/2014
ZZZZZZ

[QUOTE=DParker;12276]The latest scores as of Sunday, September 7, 2014 at 4:00 PM CDT....

[table="width: 1000, class: grid"][tr][td][CENTER][B][SIZE=4]Individual Best Deer[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER][/td][td][CENTER][B][SIZE=4]*** Team Scoring ***[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER][/td][/tr][/table]
[table="width: 1000, class: grid"]
[tr]
\t[td][CENTER][B]Member[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]Buck or Doe[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]Points > 1"[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]Score[/B][/CENTER][/td]

\t [td][CENTER][B][/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t [td][CENTER][B]Team[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t [td][CENTER][B]Member[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t [td][CENTER][B]Score[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t [td][CENTER][B]Leaders[/B][/CENTER][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]billy_b[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t [td][/td]
\t [td][CENTER][B]****** 1 ******[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t [td]bow-fishhunter[/td]
\t [td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t [td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]bluecat[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t [td][/td]
\t [td][/td]
\t [td]Deerminator[/td]
\t [td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t [td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]bow-fishhunter[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td]Toxophilite[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]BULLZ-i[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][RIGHT][B][I]Total =[/I][/B][/RIGHT][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]0[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][B][/B][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]crookedeye[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]****** 2 ******[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td]Hunter[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]Deerminator[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td]Swamp Fox[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]DeerSlayer88[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td]Triton Rich[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]DParker[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][RIGHT][B][I]Total =[/I][/B][/RIGHT][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]0[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][B][/B][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]Floyd[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]****** 3 ******[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td]billy_b[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]Forkie McRut[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td]crookedeye[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]Hunter[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td]NEBigAl[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]luv2bowhunt[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][RIGHT][B][I]Total =[/I][/B][/RIGHT][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]0[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][B][/B][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]NEBigAl[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]****** 4 ******[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td]Ohbuckhunter[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]Ohbuckhunter[/td]
\t[td][CENTER]D[/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td]bluecat[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]Swamp Fox[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td]Forkie McRut[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]Toxophilite[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][RIGHT][B][I]Total =[/I][/B][/RIGHT][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]0[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][B][/B][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]Triton Rich[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]****** 5 ******[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td]Deerslayer88[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td]Ventilator[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td]DParker[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td]Ventilator[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][RIGHT][B][I]Total =[/I][/B][/RIGHT][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]0[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][B][/B][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]****** 86 *****[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td]BULLZ-i[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td]Floyd[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td]luv2bowhunt[/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][/CENTER][/td]

\t[td][/td]
\t[td][/td]
\t[td][RIGHT][B][I]Total =[/I][/B][/RIGHT][/td]
\t[td][CENTER][B]0[/B][/CENTER][/td]
\t[td][B][/B][/td]
[/tr]
[/table]
[table="width: 1000, class: grid"][tr][td][CENTER][B]Key[/B][/CENTER][/td][/tr][/table]
[table="width: 1000, class: grid"]
[tr]
\t[td][CENTER]<=====[/CENTER][/td]
\t[td]Best team score(s)[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td][CENTER]<-----[/CENTER][/td]
\t[td]Best score(s) for a given team[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
\t[td][CENTER]<+++++[/CENTER][/td]
\t[td]Overall contest leading individual(s) (also implies best score for a team, of course)[/td]
[/tr]
[/table][/QUOTE]
156.) Swamp Fox - 09/07/2014
Tuesdays sound good to me. Actually, I thought last year went pretty well with stuff NOT strewn everywhere. I did say people could post their stories as separate threads, but I thought all the reporting stayed in one place (without exception?).

I'll post a kill thread and maybe Alex will make it a sticky. I have a few things ahead of it on the to-do list, though. Later tonight or tomorrow, I expect.
157.) Floyd - 09/07/2014
Yes, make it a sticky.
158.) Wild Bob - 09/08/2014
Yea, I was so confused...I didn't even enter the contest this year...:-)
159.) Deerminator - 09/08/2014
Did it start yet?
160.) Floyd - 09/08/2014
[QUOTE=Deerminator;24633]Did it start yet?[/QUOTE]

You missed the starting gun.

Here, you have [B]time[/B] to listen to this:

[video=youtube_share;JwYX52BP2Sk]http://youtu.be/JwYX52BP2Sk[/video]
161.) Deerminator - 09/08/2014
:tu::-)Great Concert:hb:
162.) DParker - 09/08/2014
[QUOTE=Deerminator;24656]:tu::-)Great Concert:hb:[/QUOTE]

If you actually remember a Pink Floyd concert....you did it wrong.
163.) Deerminator - 09/08/2014
after the 4th concert I had it down. BRING DARK SUNGLASSES:tu:
164.) bluecat - 09/09/2014
Why would you need sunglasses when on the dark side of the moon?
165.) Floyd - 09/09/2014
Dude! "There is no dark side of the moon really. Matter of fact it's all dark."
166.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
Today's Topic:

Unusual or Semi-Unusual Gear You're Surprised You Use So Much In The Woods...

This would not be where you brag on your knife or Thermacell...Maybe your Hawaiian shirt with open floral pattern for effective non-blobbing camouflage and UV protection...

One item for me is my rubber mallet. I'm constantly pulling it out to pound something. (Yes, let the jokes about my rubber mallet begin...:re::wink) Cargo rack bent by careless driver backing into me, or by small but vengeful pine tree at camp? Yes, and yes. Treesteps to be removed, ladder sections that need fine tuning, lids on barrels, tent stakes, gas tank of a Bronco to diagnose a fuel pump or bang a rusting muffler off that final inch....you name it...

Another would be a metal hook---mine's from a garment bag---with rope or a short length of small chain (for weight) attached for picking stuff up that you dropped from the treestand. Also helps to hang your quiver if you forgot your bowhooks.

Loop runner: hand-hold for climbing in and out of tree, useful for hanging stuff, replaces or supplements your tree tether (especially useful with a second carabiner on your harness in case you ever need to unhook from your primary tether), can be used to climb tree if you like a workout along with your treestand vigil (or to provide a step or foot loop for leg circulation relief while you're hanging there in your behind-the-head harness with blood pooling in your lower body....[url]http://www.fallsafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/NormanWoodsSuspensionTraumaALethalCascadeOfEvents.pdf[/url])

[url]http://www.sherrilltree.com/Nylon-Loop-Runners#.VA8SmI10zVI[/url]



A loop runner can also be formed into a rifle rest (I call it a shooting loop), and longer ones can act as a deer handle on the drag...I can probably think of a few more things I've used one for...Very handy piece of gear.
167.) luv2bowhunt - 09/09/2014
bungee cords.

I use them for everything. Attaching extra clothing to fanny back, deer carts, keep limbs out of the way on stand that I don't want to cut, for treestand transport or extra tightness onto tree, emergency repair for almost anything.

Can't have too many or too many different sizes. Almost as good as duct tape.
168.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
:tu:...

I'm always on the lookout for what's new in bungie cords...It's like the search for the better mousetrap. :-)
169.) bluecat - 09/09/2014
I always travel with my homemade bowholder. It's a very simple arrangement that can keep my bow at the ready with arrow attached. There are two main components. A small cord/strap (paracord would work) with a very small s-hook. The strap goes through the hardware on my harness and leaves the s-hook dangling mid-chest. The other component is the cam holder which is nothing more than a small strap (1/2 inch) that is a loop. The loop goes over my belt and then loops back and through itself forming a dangling loop.

The s-hook goes through the d-loop on my bow and the bottom cam goes through the strap loop. I have this handy when I see a deer coming or a deer sighting is very likely (last 30 minutes of light). I can hold this position indefinately in the wait position. When the time is right I simply lift the bow up slightly (an inch or two), the loop falls away from the bottom cam I replace the s-hook with my release.

Minimal motion and ready to draw. It has been responsible for a lot of my success.
170.) Deerminator - 09/09/2014
I to bring a bungee cord, very usefull. [B]BRUSH clippers[/B] the (anvil type are the best), are very usefull.
171.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24700]...
Another would be a metal hook---mine's from a garment bag---with rope or a short length of small chain (for weight) attached for picking stuff up that you dropped from the treestand. Also helps to hang your quiver if you forgot your bowhooks...

[/QUOTE]


Also useful as a third hand for hanging a lock-on. You just need to come up with a way to get it on the tree (eye hook, paracord, looprunner, etc.)

:wink
172.) Deerminator - 09/09/2014
the bungee works pretty good for that, I tie para cord to one end, and bend the opposie hook end more open, badabing:tu:
173.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
[QUOTE=Deerminator;24706]I to bring a bungee cord, very usefull. [B]BRUSH clippers[/B] the (anvil type are the best), are very usefull.[/QUOTE]

I googled just to make sure anvil clippers are what I thought they were, and I found an article with this title:

[I][B]Ratchet Pruners: The Pruning Shears With Ratcheting Action

[/B][/I]


Really? Really?? Thanks, Internet Lernin' for Dummies...The "article" was by a "landscaping expert" so maybe he didn't write the headline...

But I suspect the whole operation is out of the University of Nebraska. School motto: "The 'N' Stands for Knowledge".

:wink
174.) Deerminator - 09/09/2014
The concept is good but all the ratchet pruners I've seen are cheaply made. Anvil clippers are the best.
175.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
If you can find some Florian ratchet pruners, they're excellent. Light and tough. Last time I checked they also had a lifetime warranty. Probably have been using mine for 25 years and only ever broke one pair...My fault, got too ambitious and torqued them on some type of hellaciously tough thick vine we have around here...Tarzan could swing on these things carrying Jane and the monkey...Should have known better.
176.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;24705]I always travel with my homemade bowholder. It's a very simple arrangement that can keep my bow at the ready with arrow attached. There are two main components. A small cord/strap (paracord would work) with a very small s-hook. The strap goes through the hardware on my harness and leaves the s-hook dangling mid-chest. The other component is the cam holder which is nothing more than a small strap (1/2 inch) that is a loop. The loop goes over my belt and then loops back and through itself forming a dangling loop.

The s-hook goes through the d-loop on my bow and the bottom cam goes through the strap loop. I have this handy when I see a deer coming or a deer sighting is very likely (last 30 minutes of light). I can hold this position indefinately in the wait position. When the time is right I simply lift the bow up slightly (an inch or two), the loop falls away from the bottom cam I replace the s-hook with my release.

Minimal motion and ready to draw. It has been responsible for a lot of my success.[/QUOTE]


Hmmm....very good...I might have to try that. I have a bowstring hook on my bino harness but I never thought of securing the bottom cam with a loop. I never did get a lot of use out of those fabric bow holders you wear on your belt and rest your limb in while holding on to the rest of your bow with your hand. :re:

I have a couple of other bow holders that go on your belt but I never seem to use them very much. Hip Bone. High-Point. I had one from Tree Apron but never used it. It's at Camp Swampy being used as a place to hang my lantern, LOL..
177.) luv2bowhunt - 09/09/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24724]I never did get a lot of use out of those fabric bow holders you wear on your belt and rest your limb in while holding on the the rest of your bow with your hand..[/QUOTE]

That is something I always forget to take with me. I'm reading bluecats bow holder description and thinking I already have half of what he describes. Just use the fabric one I already own instead of messing with the cord. I'm with SF though, if I could fasten something at the D loop with my binos or vest, I would have minimal work in adapting that.

...of course I never see any deer anyway, so this would be fairly meaningless.:beer:
178.) Deerminator - 09/09/2014
I think we're on to something:grin:
179.) Wild Bob - 09/09/2014
My unusual little piece of gear is a little Crooked Horn lenses cleaner spud I got as a stocking stuffer from my wife years ago.

I know, it sounds rinky-dink, but as guy that wears glasses; and hunting out west as I do now, where I am tied to my binoculars....this little thing is handy as hell! The whole little packet (not even sure if they still make these things) isn't much bigger than fat match book. Due to its container and size, it is always handy in my pocket or it has a little clip on it to attach to a loop or button; it pulls out of the fabric pouch that contains it. I find it much easier to keep up with than a cleaning cloth just stuffed in a pocket. It works great, and I find that by using it on my glasses, binocs, and rifle scopes I get virtually no scratches (especially on my glasses) like I do when use a shirt sleeve or whatever.

It’s worth its weight in gold when you just get done hoofing it some distance and you get into position to re-spot an animal that you’ve been stalking, and your glasses are fogging up or wet and sweaty. :tu:
180.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
Some of the cheap haul ropes (really strings, lol) have a little plastic spring clip on the end of them and usually a tube or eye on the rope end that the haul line runs through. They are about the right size to hang a d-loop on. Just cut off the plastic "spring" and sand everything down smooth. Or, keep the spring clip if you don't think it's a problem, and never worry about the bow falling off your chest twenty feet down onto a deer's head, LOL.
181.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
Yep, they still make them, WB. As a matter of fact, I believe Nikon thinks they invented them, from what I can tell in stores and catalogs, LOL
182.) Wild Bob - 09/09/2014
Well, I don't know if Crooked Horn invented them or not...but I remember when I got it back in the late 90's I thought [I]Boy did she get taken on this little gadget...I hope she didn't spend too much on it![/I]...and then go figure; like I said, the rare day that I go out without it - I really miss it!
183.) bluecat - 09/09/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24724]Hmmm....very good...I might have to try that. I have a bowstring hook on my bino harness but I never thought of securing the bottom cam with a loop. I never did get a lot of use out of those fabric bow holders you wear on your belt and rest your limb in while holding on to the rest of your bow with your hand. :re:

I have a couple of other bow holders that go on your belt but I never seem to use them very much. Hip Bone. High-Point. I had one from Tree Apron but never used it. It's at Camp Swampy being used as a place to hang my lantern, LOL..[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;24730]That is something I always forget to take with me. I'm reading bluecats bow holder description and thinking I already have half of what he describes. Just use the fabric one I already own instead of messing with the cord. I'm with SF though, if I could fasten something at the D loop with my binos or vest, I would have minimal work in adapting that.

...of course I never see any deer anyway, so this would be fairly meaningless.:beer:[/QUOTE]

I took a seat belt and went to a seamstress and had them fashion a loop for my bow that also attaches to my belt. Then I got another bow and the cam was bigger and wouldn't fit. So I ditched it and came up with the loop idea which would accomodate any cam size you have. I have some pics if you want to see what I'm talking about. The whole thing would fit in a small pocket. It really keeps you ready without any movement.
184.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
I would like to see a pic...I think it would save me some experimentation, LOL.
185.) luv2bowhunt - 09/09/2014
Pic it is. But try to keep as much of you out of the picture as possible.:grin:
186.) bluecat - 09/09/2014
I can't find them so I'll shoot a few pics tonight.
187.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;24733]My unusual little piece of gear is a little Crooked Horn lenses cleaner spud I got as a stocking stuffer from my wife years ago.. [/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24738]Yep, they still make them, WB. As a matter of fact, I believe Nikon thinks they invented them, from what I can tell in stores and catalogs, LOL[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Wild Bob;24740]Well, I don't know if Crooked Horn invented them or not...but I remember when I got it back in the late 90's I thought [I]Boy did she get taken on this little gadget...I hope she didn't spend too much on it![/I]...and then go figure; like I said, the rare day that I go out without it - I really miss it![/QUOTE]


I was being facetious. The first one I ever saw was probably from one or the other (most likely Crooked Horn). I just think it's funny how somebody like Nikon can come along and stamp everything that's not nailed down with their brand name and sell it like hotcakes. Primos and a few others I could name do the same thing. Vortex...

More power to them, I guess.
188.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;24753]I can't find them so I'll shoot a few pics tonight.[/QUOTE]


Can we get you to stop by the local Hooters while you've got your camera out? See if you can find some good-looking Nebraska girls that had to leave Nebraska...
189.) bluecat - 09/09/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24755]See if you can find some good-looking Nebraska girls[/QUOTE]

I may be a while.
190.) bluecat - 09/09/2014
I made an observation one time when I was in a Minnesota nightclub, that the farther north you go, the more the woman tend to look like walleye.
191.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
LOL on both posts...:laugh:
192.) Wild Bob - 09/09/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;24761]I made an observation one time when I was in a Minnesota nightclub, that the farther north you go, the more the woman tend to look like walleye.[/QUOTE]

Hahahahahh! I hear you...I've been telling people for years: Southern Women Rule! That's why I married a Tennessee gal!!!:tu:
193.) Swamp Fox - 09/09/2014
She's right there in the other room, isn't she Bob?

Blink twice if yes.

The chair is against the wall, Bob.

I repeat: The chair is against the wall.



:wink
194.) DParker - 09/09/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24792]The chair is against the wall, Bob.

I repeat: The chair is against the wall.[/QUOTE]

Does John still have a long mustache?
195.) Swamp Fox - 09/10/2014
:-)


I'm blinking right now.

Confirm receipt.





LOL...
196.) bluecat - 09/10/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24751]I would like to see a pic...I think it would save me some experimentation, LOL.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;24752]Pic it is. But try to keep as much of you out of the picture as possible.:grin:[/QUOTE]







Okay ladies, the top one goes through the d-loop, the bottom pic illustrates a belt and the loop that goes around your lower cam.

I realize my harness has some buckles which makes it easy to attach the d-loop holder thingy. You might have to improvise a little.

The bottom line is you can put your keep bow in the ready position, arrow nocked without any hands.
197.) Swamp Fox - 09/10/2014
That belt loop seems bigger than I imagined but I suppose it's not doing a lot of the load-bearing/capture anyway. Just needs to keep the bow from swinging.

If someone doesn't have extra strap or webbing lying around (shame on you! :wink) they could use one of the smaller loop runners I referenced on the Hunting Topic of the Day Thread. Multi-wrap it around the belt to tighten the loop.

Thanks for the idea!
198.) bluecat - 09/10/2014
No, that's the beauty of it. To shorten the loop just make the loop smaller before taking it around the belt and looping it in on itself. I can make the loop so it fits tight around the cam if I want. I really don't want it tight because you'll want it to fall away when lifting.

If I use another bow with a different cam size, then I can make the loop bigger or smaller.

The loop bears the weight of the bow. The s-hook keeps the bow upright and balanced.
199.) bluecat - 09/10/2014
Remember the loop is nothing more than a length of webbing that is tied in a circle using an overhand knot. Once the circle is completed (knot made), take it around the belt and insert it into itself. Like a Prussik knot.
200.) Swamp Fox - 09/10/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;24874]No, that's the beauty of it. To shorten the loop just make the loop smaller before taking it around the belt and looping it in on itself. I can make the loop so it fits tight around the cam if I want. I really don't want it tight because you'll want it to fall away when lifting.

If I use another bow with a different cam size, then I can make the loop bigger or smaller.

The loop bears the weight of the bow. The s-hook keeps the bow upright and balanced.[/QUOTE]


Okay, gotcha. I had a slightly different idea in my head. Don't ask me why...Yours sounds more ...um... practical physicsy?
201.) Wild Bob - 09/10/2014
So, uh, are you in the loop now????
202.) bluecat - 09/10/2014
He's a little loopy I'd say.
203.) Swamp Fox - 09/10/2014
LOL...

I guess we need a replacement player for the contest...Maybe that will be tonight's topic.
204.) Wild Bob - 09/10/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24920]LOL...

I guess we need a replacement player for the contest...Maybe that will be tonight's topic, because I peed so many players off.[/QUOTE]

IFIFY...LOL....only kidding, :-)

(Hey you taught me a new trick; I gotta play now.)

Seriously, why? Did someone drop off the face of the Hunting County???:cf:
205.) Wild Bob - 09/10/2014
I'm confused...

So Ventilator is really gone? Again, I'm back to what is truth and what is reality around here, the lines are blurred...it's all so confusing! :re:

Was he them too???
206.) Swamp Fox - 09/10/2014
Ventilator got banned. Even though he killed before getting banned (apparently, although that is not exactly clear due to radio silence from the man behind the curtain) he was unable to enter the deer for scoring, and my Magic Eight Ball says, "A change is in order."

I don't see the point of carrying the running shoes of relay team members who are no longer with us to the starting line.

If someone has a different opinion, I'm willing to listen.
207.) DParker - 09/10/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24932]Ventilator got banned. Even though he killed before getting banned (apparently, although that is not exactly clear due to radio silence from the man behind the curtain) he was unable to enter the deer for scoring, and my Magic Eight Ball says, "A change is in order."

I don't see the point of carrying the running shoes of relay team members who are no longer with us to the starting line.

If someone has a different opinion, I'm willing to listen.[/QUOTE]

Relay running? Carrying shoes? That sounds like a lot of work....and I'm kinda' tired. How about we just assign someone to the open slot, like someone who wanted to enter the contest but missed the sign-up deadline because they had a "Look! A squirrel!!" moment, or something.
208.) Swamp Fox - 09/10/2014
No such animal...I signed up all who expressed any interest at all.

We need a fresh victim.
209.) DParker - 09/11/2014
I thought Wild Bob recently said that he "forgot" to sign up.
210.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2014
If he did, I missed that or forgot....I'll hit him up.
211.) Deerminator - 09/11/2014
cows with guns

212.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
Wild Bob forgot that he forgot to forget to sign up. Besides, he thought you said stand up.
213.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2014
He should consider this as me putting out the Bat Signal.......
214.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24946]He should consider this as me putting out the Bat Signal.......[/QUOTE]

Ask the lost boys too. See if they have changed their minds. Might get another team in there.
215.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2014
You know better than I do who lurks here and who disappeared completely.

It would take me quite a while for me to figure out who I can contact in the second group and who I can't...and my contact list isn't huge to begin with.

If someone can blow the horn on Facebook, I'll go through my old post-it notes and backs of envelopes.
216.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;24948]You know better than I do who lurks here and who disappeared completely.

It would take me quite a while for me to figure out who I can contact in the second group and who I can't...and my contact list isn't huge to begin with.

If someone can blow the horn on Facebook, I'll go through my old post-it notes and backs of envelopes.[/QUOTE]

That's a cop out. You thought to ask Keith (JB)?
217.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2014
:tap:


It's not a friggin' cop-out. It's the reason I won't be the best messenger and won't hop right on it.

I'll get the word out to people who read here, but if they never post I don't know who they are. I'll eventually get around to people buried in my notes.

Facebook will have to hear from someone other than me.

JB's not in hunting trim. We had a long talk on the phone earlier this evening.
218.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
JB huh? Thanks for proving my point. If you really wanted to, you'd find away. Notes huh?

Don't worry Swampy, there's no rush. I saw that on FB somewhere.

There's always next year.
219.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
I recommend going ahead and writing Wild Bob in there.
220.) DParker - 09/11/2014
[QUOTE=Floyd;24953]I recommend going ahead and writing Wild Bob in there.[/QUOTE]

Although I might be wrong (no, really...it could happen) and it was someone else who said it.
221.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
2 Days Ago
Wild Bob replied to a thread Hunting Topic of the Day in Bowhunting
Yea, I was so confused...I didn't even enter the contest this year...:-)
222.) DParker - 09/11/2014
THAT was it! No wonder my search on "forgot" lead me nowhere.

As my ol' man used to say: "I thought I was wrong once...but I was mistaken."
223.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
It [U]will[/U] make him happy.
224.) Wild Bob - 09/11/2014
:-):-):-)

So...I still a bit confused...am I happy??? :clap:
225.) Wild Bob - 09/11/2014
OR did I snooze and loose? I had to take care of some domestic duties so I haven't been near the computa...
226.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2014
Stop that, WB!....You'll go blind!

Unless I hear objections tonight or tomorrow, I'll put you on the team that Ventilator was on.

I am operating under the assumption that Ventilator is banned. I know he can't post. Without getting into it, I'll just say I don't feel good about not allowing his deer for the contest, but then again it wasn't entered in the contest to begin with (because he was apparently prevented from posting at some point that I do not know the timing of). Since I don't know exactly when the chicken crossed the road or if the egg did first, I'm making a judgment call.

So, in an attempt to make the best of a bad situation, and because I don't see the point of entering a deer in the contest for someone who management apparently doesn't want on the site, just for pedantic continuity, we'll rejigger the team.

Again, let me have it with all guns by close of business tomorrow, or forever hold your piece.
227.) Deerminator - 09/11/2014
I'm COOL:-):fire:
228.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2014
Well, I'm really expecting Deerslayer and DP to be the ones most pissed off at me, LOL...

And maybe the Contest Police...
229.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;25057]Well, I'm really expecting Deerslayer and DP to be the ones most pissed off at me, LOL...[/QUOTE]

Fixed.

Swampy gets a penalty Flag. Unsportsmanlike conduct.

230.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
I'll spread the word Swampy. Let's see if we can get another team or two or three.
231.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
Hey Swampy, is there away to send out mass e-mails or PMs to notify members of the deer contest?

You might have to ask Mike.
232.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2014
I've asked before about group PMs and got no satisfaction, as far as I recall.

And I'm penalizing you for throwing your helmet and selective editing.
233.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;25061]I've asked before about group PMs and got no satisfaction, as far as I recall.

And I'm penalizing you for throwing your helmet and selective editing.[/QUOTE]

Judge says you're out of order and nullifies current and all future penalties, infraction, etc etc and so forth on penalty of contempt. He says to fly right and stop being pithy and so forth.

I did post on FB for you.
234.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2014
I have Bass-o-Matic immunity, man...
235.) Floyd - 09/11/2014
Dream on Swamp Rat

Hunting topic of the day: Safety - double check your gear.
236.) Swamp Fox - 09/11/2014
I have some pictures of a rusty stand cable that I wiggled back and forth about three times until it came apart...Replaced it (both sides) with chain, because if you've never tried to find replacement cables or have them made, I can tell you it's damn near impossible.
237.) bluecat - 09/12/2014
Floyd, your gifs are giving me a headache.
238.) Floyd - 09/12/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;25079]Floyd, your gifs are giving me a headache.[/QUOTE]

PM me next time and I'll look into it.
239.) Swamp Fox - 09/12/2014
Looks like safety isn't a hot topic...

Either that or no one wants to talk safety until I leave the forum.

:tap::jd:


:omg:
240.) Floyd - 09/12/2014
Everybody has left the forum except Deerminator.

Maybe people are getting Swampy Shy about engaging you in conversation.

Nobody likes to talk about safety and get ridiculed for a gaff or doing something different that works for them, and stuff like that.

(Ridiculed might have been too strong a word. Fill free to replace it with something less impact or even humorous.)


:-)


<---------////


No one has talked about the hunting forecast reports in there states or areas. Are they up or down from last year or the same?
241.) Swamp Fox - 09/13/2014
Moi?

I'm a harmless little fuzzball...

Deer population is officially significantly down from highs of the late 1990's/early 2000's (my recollection of the high years) in SC. Coyotes apparent causation of 50% of the fawn mortality is getting most of the attention. Not sure I buy it.

In NC, things seem to be hunky-dory, especially if you read [I]NC Game & Fish[/I]. Things are always hunky-dory with them, except in the mountain areas that have never had very many deer. I look forward to NCG&F's hunky-dory report every year, when they basically tell you that the best hunting is wherever the NC Wildlife Resources Commission needs to spread the pressure, plus my backyard.
242.) Floyd - 09/13/2014
Besides some of the lost boys, who's hunted this morning?
243.) Swamp Fox - 09/13/2014
I fished. Stormy weather here.

Looks like everyone has left the building.
244.) Floyd - 09/13/2014
[COLOR="#0000FF"][SIZE=5][B][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Swampy is ready to go hunting.[/FONT][/B][/SIZE][/COLOR]
245.) bluecat - 09/14/2014
I just stopped in to see what condition my condition was in.
246.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
i'm sure elvis has a song about that..
247.) Swamp Fox - 09/14/2014
Crookedeye, you were gone so long I thought maybe you forgot to set your strawberry alarm clock...
248.) bluecat - 09/14/2014
It must have been the smell of incence.
249.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
i'm getting husker pumped up right now..
250.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
this game starts at 9:30 my time.. theres a good chance I might be asleep by then...
251.) bluecat - 09/14/2014
Ebola?
252.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
if Floyd starts posting then for sure I will fall asleep..
253.) bluecat - 09/14/2014
How mad was Bo last week? Was he his usual surly self?
254.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
bo was actually happy.. he seemed like the rest of us ...
255.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
like a wake up call..
256.) Floyd - 09/14/2014
[QUOTE=crookedeye;25158]if Floyd starts posting then for sure I will fall asleep..[/QUOTE]

I'm surprised you came back. Mind your Ps & Qs.

Good night sleepy head.
257.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
...and if bullzi ever sasy me again...its going to look funny when a little guy like me knocks a couple of his teeth out....:wink
258.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
when i'm on the roof I don't screw around..
259.) Swamp Fox - 09/14/2014
LOL...
260.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
well unless it was casual Friday..
261.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
i'm surprised bullzi friends havnt come to the rescue.... you no the routine...you no floyds thinking hmmm..

I want a piece of bullzi though... I honestly think I can take him..
262.) Floyd - 09/14/2014
[QUOTE=crookedeye;25177]i'm surprised bullzi friends havnt come to the rescue.... you no the routine...you no floyds thinking hmmm..

I want a piece of bullzi though... I honestly think I can take him..[/QUOTE]

Look CE, it's Mike! !! RUN!!!! All I know little Ricky is you haul butt when Mike showed up and hadn't been back since last night.

Dan can handle himself. We know that you know he's out hunting, hinckley the big talk. It's so cute when you do it thought that we don't mind.

Keep on keeping on. :wave:
263.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
lol I could care less.. I like mike and bullzi..it is what it is...
264.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
i'm the type of guy that needs to meet a person before I shut them down..
265.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
that's my news saying...it is what it is..
266.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
....
267.) Swamp Fox - 09/14/2014
At least it's not Toby Keith, LOL...


That's my new saying.

:wink
268.) Deerminator - 09/14/2014
Medication time:hb:
269.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
tobey keith is the man.. hang on let me see what I can find..
270.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
.....
271.) Swamp Fox - 09/14/2014
See if you can find any country music...
272.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
its ashamed Kenny got canned...
273.) Swamp Fox - 09/14/2014
Well, now you're just asking for a beating, LOL...

A quick look in the back of that free newspaper in the racks over by the University of Noledge would probably be more ...um...No, probably they'd both be about the same...


:omg:
274.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
Kenny was the one guy that actually hunted....lol
275.) crookedeye - 09/14/2014
it is what it is..
276.) Swamp Fox - 09/14/2014
We all know we're training to become cage fighters...


277.) Wild Bob - 09/15/2014
Not everyone left for good...I'm back.

Spent the weekend chasing sharp-tail grouse and scouting for deer. Saw good mule deer sign up in the hills and in the open country. Looked for whitetails in a couple of different smaller drainages that in years past held some good whitetails. This year I found next to no sign in those drainages...that was not very encouraging.

I should have had a couple of birds; but I couldn't seem to shoot a shotgun worth a flip this past weekend. The dogs did their job wonderfully; after the shot as the bird kept flying away, they'd turn back and look at me as if to say, "What the hell are you doing...YOU MISSED!"
278.) Swamp Fox - 09/16/2014
[QUOTE=Floyd;25129]...No one has talked about the hunting forecast reports in there states or areas. Are they up or down from last year or the same?[/QUOTE]

The [I]NC Game & Fish [/I] 2013 kill records and analysis are in the October issue. I expect [I]SC Game & Fish's[/I] will be in their Oct. issue as well, but I haven't seen it yet.
279.) PB - 09/22/2014
I just find me a spot I don't mind sitting at foe a while, and let nature take its course...which, depending in how much coffee I've had, shouldn't take long.
280.) PB - 09/22/2014
I just find me a spot I don't mind sitting at for a while, and let nature take its course...which, depending in how much coffee I've had, shouldn't take long.
281.) Wild Bob - 09/22/2014
Are we talking about pooping or hunting here...??? LOL (Just kidding around PB) :-)
282.) Swamp Fox - 09/25/2014
Today's topic:

Funny, dumb, unexpected or wise things you've heard said about hunting or fishing...

I'll start:

"Johnny doesn't believe in baiting, but I've seen it with my own eyes!"
283.) bluecat - 09/25/2014
"I took the shot because it was the only one I had."

Heard that on the Outdoor Channel more than once. :bang:
284.) Wild Bob - 09/25/2014
"I know there is a really huge 10 point buck around here, becasue I've seen his tracks." - Ah, yea...right. :re:
285.) Swamp Fox - 09/25/2014
"You need to get your barrel up high or deer won't feed under it."

Heard that one just the other day, in fact...LOL

 photo WGI_0319_zpsa2e22f58.jpg">
286.) Swamp Fox - 09/25/2014
If I could put the feeders lower and make it any easier on the bucks, I would....LOL


 photo WGI_0352_zps89442e1f.jpg">
287.) Deerminator - 09/25/2014
The check is in the mail


I'll pay you when I get my incometax's
288.) bluecat - 09/25/2014
"A buddy of mine just killed a [insert lie here] point buck."
289.) Wild Bob - 09/26/2014
Yea, that reminds me of the ocassional guy I'm sure we have all run into while you're out hunting that stikes up a converstation...

When you ask him if he's had any luck, he says, "Oh yea, yea sure - I killed a big one a few days ago, wide and tall rack, man was he big deer, haven't scored him yet, but I say he'll easily go close to 200 if not bigger."

- I find it intersting that the several times I've run into these guys telling me this or a similar line, they [I]never[/I] will look me in the eye...
290.) bluecat - 09/26/2014
I hear this ALL the time.

The reason why we don't have pheasants is because the turkeys eat all the eggs.

The reason why we don't have quail is because the pheasants eat all the eggs.

:-)
291.) Swamp Fox - 09/30/2014
"It's Day Five here in the treestand with Starkist Outfitters in northern South Dakota. So far, the hunting's been really tough and the bucks aren't moving. We'll see what happens."
292.) Deerminator - 09/30/2014
Tomarrow is the opener of the southern teir of NY,:grin:[B] WOO HOO!!!![/B]



GOOD LUCK SWAMPY:tu::tu::tu:
293.) Deerminator - 09/30/2014
S. Dakota is suppose to be having sever weather, keep a look out.
294.) bluecat - 09/30/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;26051]"It's Day Five here in the treestand with Starkist Outfitters in northern South Dakota. So far, the hunting's been really tough and the bucks aren't moving. We'll see what happens."[/QUOTE]

I hope those deer are dolphin safe.
295.) Swamp Fox - 09/30/2014
[QUOTE=Deerminator;26052]Tomarrow is the opener of the southern teir of NY,:grin:[B] WOO HOO!!!![/B]



GOOD LUCK SWAMPY:tu::tu::tu:[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Deerminator;26053]S. Dakota is suppose to be having sever weather, keep a look out.[/QUOTE]


LOL...


It's Day One here at my desk, and the weather is a comfortable 76 degrees with no chance of air conditioning until later this afternoon....

:wink
296.) Deerminator - 09/30/2014
Too bad
297.) bluecat - 09/30/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;26056]LOL...


It's Day One here at my desk, and the weather is a comfortable 76 degrees with no chance of air conditioning until later this afternoon....

:wink[/QUOTE]

Be careful Swampy. Workplace violence and all.
298.) Swamp Fox - 09/30/2014
LOL...I played outside a bit last week, but this week I have to clean my room and pick my stuff up off the floor...

:p
299.) Wild Bob - 09/30/2014
Topic???
300.) Swamp Fox - 10/01/2014
Okay, if you insist...

Today's topic: What's the difference between hunting today vs. 30 years ago?

I'll go first: Very few want to sleep in a tent, and God forbid on the ground...Young punks included.

:pop:
301.) Floyd - 10/01/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;26135]Okay, if you insist...

Today's topic: What's the difference between hunting today vs. 30 years ago?

:pop:[/QUOTE]


There are still insulting old now-it-alls hunters who walked both ways up hill through the snow to school barefooted.

Poor Old Grumpy Swampy.
302.) Wild Bob - 10/01/2014
The big difference in my opinion: 30 plus years ago how much talk did you hear about being concerned with the wind? Sure the die-hard guys worried about it, but your average weekend warrior rarely put much effort into being concerned about the wind. Now even the casual deer hunter is running around in a scent-lok suit...
303.) Swamp Fox - 10/01/2014
I'd say the average rifle hunter still doesn't pay attention to the wind.

I had the smoking cigarette conversation again just three weeks ago.
304.) Floyd - 10/01/2014
It may seem so, but I vote no. Like Swampy said Rifle hunters yes, Bow hunters have always been savvy or they get savvy quick from lack of results.
305.) Floyd - 10/01/2014
Arrow flight have flatten out. Swampy, by how much would you say? Is there data out there?
306.) Swamp Fox - 10/01/2014
That's true, LOL.


More people are willing to let a small buck walk. On the other hand, there are only a few more people willing to take a doe as their meat deer, vs. a young buck.
307.) Swamp Fox - 10/01/2014
[QUOTE=Floyd;26141]Arrow flight have flatten out. Swampy, by how much would you say? Is there data out there?[/QUOTE]


I don't know. All I can say is that my first bow, in the 80's, might have launched an arrow at 170 fps. I don't really remember, but that's in the ballpark.
308.) bluecat - 10/01/2014
All the modern do-dads aside (bows, strings, arrows, rangefinders, etc.) the clothing advancements are remarkable.

Trying to stay warm in the older gear was not easy. Bulky, heavy, stinky and definately not very well camouflaged.
309.) Swamp Fox - 10/01/2014
The Michelin Man in red or green plaid wool, huh? :wink

The flip side is also very true. Keeping cool and dry (and to stink less) when cotton was all there was was impossible.

I was thinking about this just the other day. I hate that the heat gear is just friggin' polyester at premium prices (because it's for hunting!) but there's no doubt that the synthetics have it all over cotton in many, many situations.

It's like the Revenge of the 70's Disco Masters...
310.) Swamp Fox - 10/01/2014


:wink
311.) Swamp Fox - 10/01/2014
.....
312.) Floyd - 10/01/2014
Swampy, 30 years ago would be 1984. Goober


In fairness, I guess you would have been still wearing your clothes from the '70s.
313.) Swamp Fox - 10/01/2014
Revenge has no time limit....

If I'd said 70's hunting clothes were making a comeback, and then showed a 80's video, you would have a point.

Goober...

:poke:

:bk:
314.) Swamp Fox - 10/01/2014
Let's get BillyB in on this...



315.) Floyd - 10/01/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;26150]Revenge has no time limit....

If I'd said 70's hunting clothes were making a comeback, and then showed a 80's video, you would have a point.

Goober...

:poke:

:bk:[/QUOTE]

No sir!!! It means you high-jack your topic of the day! 30 years, ha! Podunker
316.) Swamp Fox - 10/01/2014



:wink
317.) Floyd - 10/01/2014
Bring back the old Swampy.... "humble and lovable" Shoeshine Boy

Back when you was more helpful and kinder and came to the rescue...

318.) Floyd - 10/01/2014
Now you're like....

319.) Swamp Fox - 10/01/2014
LOL...

I'm just a harmless fuzzball...But don't cross me...

:wink
320.) Floyd - 10/01/2014
Okay, I take it back, you're more like a mad dog mad Janet Reno....

321.) Floyd - 10/01/2014
Rosie O'Donnell on a T-bone mean and mad?

322.) Floyd - 10/02/2014
Archery targets have come along way in 30 years.
323.) Floyd - 10/02/2014
Scent, lures and the like went through the roof. The verity and volume.

Tree Stands. I'll try to find a picture of the big, heavy thing Swampy lugged around.
324.) Swamp Fox - 10/02/2014
My mom always said I liked to argue...


325.) Floyd - 10/02/2014
Yeah right. mama's little angle. Regardless, I'll think better of your mom.

Lucky Charms? Is that like your bits and pieces and she has them? Of course, now I get it. No, No I don't....
326.) Swamp Fox - 10/02/2014
[QUOTE=Floyd;26163] ...

Tree Stands. I'll try to find a picture of the big, heavy thing Swampy lugged around.[/QUOTE]


That would be a good one. Put my other gear on me and I could be jumping into Normandy. I have a couple of those stands. I'd leave them in the woods except I don't need critters eating the nice seats.

When I first started using climbers in the mid 80's, 14 pounds was heavy. Twelve or less was the goal. Took several rides on a Baker...
327.) Swamp Fox - 10/02/2014
For the historical-referentially challenged...

R.I.P.


328.) Swamp Fox - 10/02/2014
Since we're on Normandy and spectacular challenges for a moment, some might be interested in this excellent and instructive story, after which I'm pretty sure--but can't promise---that someone will find something about hunting to talk about...:wink


[I][B]How a chicken farmer, a pair of princesses, and 27 imaginary spies helped the Allies win World War II.

[/B]In the weeks leading up to D-day, Allied commanders had their best game faces on. “This operation is not being planned with any alternatives,” barked General Dwight D. Eisenhower. “This operation is planned as a victory, and that’s the way it’s going to be!” Indeed, more than 6,000 ships were ready to cruise across the English Channel to plant the first wave of two million troops on the white beaches of Normandy. Nearly 20,000 vehicles would crawl ashore as 13,000 planes dropped thousands of tons of explosives and thousands of paratroopers.

The sheer size of the invasion—it would be the largest in history—was staggering. But so were the stakes. With the first day’s casualty rate expected to reach 90 percent and the outcome of World War II hanging in the balance, the truth was that Eisenhower was riddled with doubt. He’d transformed into an anxious chimney, puffing four packs of cigarettes a day. Other Allied leaders felt equally unsure. “I see the tides running red with their blood,” Winston Churchill lamented. General George S. Patton privately complained of feeling “awfully restless.” Chief of the Imperial General Staff Alan Brooke was more blunt: “It won’t work,” he said. The day before the invasion, Eisenhower quietly penciled a note accepting blame in case he had to order retreat. When he watched the last of the 101st Airborne Division take off, the steely general started to cry.

...

West took Pujol to Omaha Beach for D-day’s 40th anniversary. When the spy saw the cemetery—with its long, neat rows of white headstones—he dropped to his knees and burst into tears. He felt responsible for each grave. But as the day wore on, word circulated that Pujol was there. Hordes of gray-haired men flocked to him, begging to shake his hand. One man, surrounded by family and fellow veterans, took Pujol by the arm and beamed. “I have the pleasure of introducing GARBO, the man who saved our lives.” Again, tears flooded Pujol’s eyes. This time, though, he smiled.

[/I]


[I]The Most Amazing Lie In History[/I]

Full story here: [url]http://mentalfloss.com/article/58468/most-amazing-lie-history[/url]
329.) Wild Bob - 10/02/2014
[QUOTE=Floyd;26158]Now you're like....

[/QUOTE]

May be there is a reason(s) that everyone around here is becoming more like this...
330.) Floyd - 10/02/2014
Bob be like....

331.) Swamp Fox - 10/02/2014
Speaking of heavily made-up villians, how many of you wear face paint (for hunting or just out and about town)?

I usually use a headnet, but keep paint handy for camo emergencies, or sometimes when it's unusually hot and the skeeters aren't out (an admittedly rare combination).

I'm used to the old HS paint in the compact with the mirror, but was thinking of trying this to see if it will hold up to sweat and/or clean up any better...

[url]http://camofx.com/shop/[/url]


There are also some powder or carbon "paints" out there, aren't there?

What's the 411 on face paint?

Let's hear from everyone out there, LOL.
332.) luv2bowhunt - 10/02/2014
Never wear it, it's stupid.

...hope that helps!
333.) Swamp Fox - 10/02/2014
LOL...:wave:
334.) Floyd - 10/02/2014
Swampy and his headnet... Face paint is more trouble than its worth compared to a "headnet". Plus, as Dan points out, it can be used in cases where you might forget toilet paper.

335.) bluecat - 10/02/2014
Wear a half-sized face mask (mesh) that goes from the eyes down. I feel naked without it. I even wear it in the blind because I'm so used to it.
336.) Swamp Fox - 10/02/2014
[QUOTE=Floyd;26191]Swampy and his headnet... Face paint is more trouble than its worth compared to a "headnet". Plus, as Dan points out, it can be used in cases where you might forget toilet paper.

[/QUOTE]

I tend to agree,, but there are a few reasons for carrying paint:

1. When you have a Bullz-I emergency and use your headnet, you need to throw it away (I hope) and get your paint out. Of course, you could always carry a spare net. Let me know if I'm off base here...Or maybe don't, LOL.

2. Sometimes it is just too hot for a net. I have run into a super-race of Thermacell-immune mosquitoes lately---and gnats don't seem to pay any attention to it at all and never have---but if they're not out, I like the option of paint.

3. I seem to have fewer issues drawing and shooting a bow downward while standing up when not wearing a mask. I only discovered this in the last couple of years. I don't know if a mask messes just enough with my peripheral vision to give me a little vertigo/balance problem or what it is, but it seems clear enough to me that I don't think it's just in my head.


Pro Tip: You can get a couple of extra minutes in low light by removing light-absorbing fabric or paint from around your eyes vs. letting ambient light reflect off your cheekbones. Try it, you'll see (no pun intended). You can get an even greater effect by removing your brimmed hat or turning your ball cap around backwards. I learned that trick a long time ago.

FWIW, I use the 3/4 masks almost exclusively. Elastic over the forehead with a big eyehole and a formable insert to fit your nose. Not sure that a 1/2 mask would be more open regarding the peripheral vision thing above.

P.S. I've never had a vision issue or a shooting issue with my masks...Just noted that the feel of drawing and aiming a bow at animals at certain angles from the stand is different while standing with and without a headnet.
337.) Floyd - 10/02/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;26193]I tend to agree,, but there are a few reasons for carrying paint:

1. When you have a Bullz-I emergency and use your headnet, you need to throw it away (I hope) and get your paint out. Of course, you could always carry a spare net. Let me know if I'm off base here...Or maybe don't, LOL.

2. Sometimes it is just too hot for a net. I have run into a super-race of Thermacell-immune mosquitoes lately---and gnats don't seem to pay any attention to it at all and never have---but if they're not out, I like the option of paint.

3. I seem to have fewer issues drawing and shooting a bow downward while standing up when not wearing a mask. I only discovered this in the last couple of years. I don't know if a mask messes just enough with my peripheral vision to give me a little vertigo/balance problem or what it is, but it seems clear enough to me that I don't think it's just in my head.


Pro Tip: You can get a couple of extra minutes in low light by removing light-absorbing fabric or paint from around your eyes vs. letting ambient light reflect off your cheekbones. Try it, you'll see (no pun intended). You can get an even greater effect by removing your brimmed hat or turning your ball cap around backwards. I learned that trick a long time ago.

FWIW, I use the 3/4 masks almost exclusively. Elastic over the forehead with a big eyehole and a formable insert to fit your nose. Not sure that a 1/2 mask would be more open regarding the peripheral vision thing above.

P.S. I've never had a vision issue or a shooting issue with my masks...Just noted that the feel of drawing and aiming a bow at animals at certain angles from the stand is different while standing with and without a headnet.

P.P.S. Besides, I feel pretty with camo makeup on. It brings out the highlights in my eyes the deer appreciate. :wink [/QUOTE]

Didn't you grow a beard and mousse your hair one year to help brake-up your outline and stuff like that? I'm sure it was you.
338.) bluecat - 10/02/2014
The mask you typically see goes above the eyes with a large opening for the eyes. The one I'm talking about never goes above the eyes so it never obstructs your vision. I generally have a hat or cap on so I'm not worried about anything above the eyes. Just want to break up my cheekbones and face outline.

It's kind a like those belly dancer veils. :-)

Or the cowboys when they rob a train using a bandana.
339.) Swamp Fox - 10/02/2014
Gotcha. I might try one of them and see if it makes any difference.

By the way, thanks for the belly dancer reference....:shocked:


:omg:


:laugh:
340.) Swamp Fox - 10/02/2014
[QUOTE=Floyd;26198]Didn't you grow a beard and mousse your hair one year to help brake-up your outline and stuff like that? I'm sure it was you.[/QUOTE]


How is it that you can spell "mousse" but can't spell "break"? If I'd never seen your hairdo before, I'd be suspicious...:wink...Unless you've gone wild and wooly since moving to Texas...Then I might understand...

I'll scruff out with a little facial hair if I'm on a hunting bender, but I'm not sure a beard helps with first impressions back in town.


I also like the idea of an end-of-the-year or holiday beard, or a rally beard after making a dumb mistake---plus they help with camouflage---but I usually don't feel I can get away with them for too long.
341.) Floyd - 10/02/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;26201]How is it that you can spell "mousse" but can't spell "break"? If I'd never seen your hairdo before, I'd be suspicious...:wink...Unless you've gone wild and wooly since moving to Texas...Then I might understand...

I'll scruff out with a little facial hair if I'm on a hunting bender, but I'm not sure a beard helps with first impressions back in town.


I also like the idea of an end-of-the-year or holiday beard, or a rally beard after making a dumb mistake---plus they help with camouflage---but I usually don't feel I can get away with them for too long.[/QUOTE]

I don't know mon, ask me samsung fone will ya. How is that you worry about my spelling? If I'd not seen you before, I'd be suspicious that you was a little old schoolmarm. You do correct people like little girls do, you know?

Anyways.....what ever you do, don't wear blue. I saw this article or something similar in a magazine at a doctors waiting room. [URL="http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/big-buck-zone/2014/07/video-new-study-sheds-light-what-deer-see"]http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/big-buck-zone/2014/07/video-new-study-sheds-light-what-deer-see[/URL]
342.) Floyd - 10/02/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;26201]I also like the idea of an end-of-the-year or holiday beard, or a rally beard after making a dumb mistake---plus they help with camouflage---but I usually don't feel I can get away with them for too long.[/QUOTE]

What? Like from the boss at work? The hot chicks lining up at the back door? Deer don't give a crap about your stupid, stinking..... I with draw the question. :co:


:laugh:
343.) Swamp Fox - 10/02/2014
Hey, I was just standing around trying to hold my pants up.

"Some people just need correcting."


:wink
344.) Floyd - 10/02/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;26206]Hey, I was just standing around trying to hold my pants up.

"Some people just need correcting."


:wink[/QUOTE]

Yes you do, all the time. We should change your name to Swamp Pig - Because when your not in trouble your either coming from or going to trouble.

:wink
345.) Swamp Fox - 10/03/2014
[I]Whichever way my nose is pointed, that's where I'm headed...[/I]

----Ancient hog hunting saying
346.) Hunter - 10/03/2014
Just sitting in the blind wondering......

What causes undisturbed patterned deer to abruptly change their patterns?
347.) Floyd - 10/03/2014
Hunter! Same here. I was just sitting here wondering almost the same thing. I've been Married to Melody for over 20 years, what the heck just happened?
Don't get me wrong, I liked it. I was just surprised is all.

[QUOTE=Hunter;26229]What causes undisturbed patterned deer to abruptly change their patterns?[/QUOTE

By undisturbed, are you meaning by human beings?

Did this happened this morning or last night? Could be the front that came through.
348.) Swamp Fox - 10/03/2014
[QUOTE=Floyd;26230]Hunter! Same here. I was just sitting here wondering almost the same thing. I've been Married to Melody for over 20 years, what the heck just happened?
[/QUOTE]


LOL--

Assuming it's not a temporary blip like a coyote or a dog or a one-time human disturbance, a change this time of year? The old October switcheroo is what I'd guess. Without feeders in the equation, food sources are changing and that's always one of the main reasons given. Other factors are the changing light levels which may cause movement at different times of day (talking "going nocturnal" here). Regardless of the cause, I see the daytime activity of bucks decrease probably no later than mid September here.

The other thing that comes to mind is the studies that show bucks have a multi-day travel cycle, where if they appear at Point A on, say, Day One, they might not be expected back at that same point for 3-7 days. I think I've seen studies that say three, and others that indicate seven--or something like that--but don't quote me on any of it. I tried to find something on the net but came up snake eyes. My guess is that if you went into the archives of North American Whitetail, Deer and Deer Hunting or The Quality Deer Management sites (I searched none of them) you'd find info on the studies I'm talking about.
349.) Wild Bob - 10/03/2014
Uh, guys...they're animals, not machines.
350.) Swamp Fox - 10/03/2014
Yes, but they're relatively predictable animals much of the year...And then you might add feeders to the mix to up the odds.

Personally, if I found a mature buck on a day-to-day pattern any time after mid-September where I hunt, I believe I'd just stroke out right then and there, and find someone to change my diaper for the next 30 years...
351.) Hunter - 10/03/2014
LOL, Bob! I know, they remind me all the time!

In this instance though, it is in a 200 acre pen. I have been sitting in a the blind every morning for over a week. Every day is like ground hog day..........
I get there before daylight, put out chum corn, get in the blind, 5 minutes later a bunch of does and fawns come in and start eating corn, 7:15 feeder goes off scaring the crap out of the does, they run off but come right back and start eating again, 10 minutes later the bucks come in and take over and does leave. About 15 minutes later the turkeys come in. It's the same routine every day regardless of temperature, solar/lunar feeding times etc.......

Today, I decide to take video of big 2 year old in there. Everything goes the same except the part where the bucks come in. WTH?? They have been responding to the sound of the feeder going off like Pavlov's dogs. But not today.

I just found it interesting.

(And before anyone gets there panties in a wad about hunting in a pen...... this is a breeding pen where we have South Texas deer that are later turned out into the rest of the ranch. There are a couple of native deer that need to be culled. I volunteered to shoot them. I mean how hard can it be? Right? WRONG!)
352.) Swamp Fox - 10/03/2014
Never volunteer, Ted...

It's bad juju.

:wink


What's the purpose of the chum corn so tight up against the feeder spin time? Sounds like the does are already in the area, if not waiting for the feeder to go off. Visual aid to get them started a little early?
353.) Hunter - 10/03/2014
Chumming my shooting lanes
354.) Swamp Fox - 10/03/2014
:tu:...

Pro Tip: Stay off the smart phone when you're in the blind...There's nothing going on here worth missing a deer slipping past you for, LOL...
355.) Hunter - 10/08/2014
Hey Swampy, I saw this post on another forum and it reminded me that a while back (year or so maybe) you recommended some type of bag attractant. Sound familiar? Remember which one is was?

Anyways....... here's another hunter's post on the subject..............



Ok, so over the last 3 years I have been trying all kinds of protein and fat and minerals that claim to bring in the Big Bucks !!!! I used these products on our east Texas lease as well as out west Texas lease. Well, after much money wasted I have the results. I'm not talking cheap, no name, knock off crap either...... All products were poured on the ground or mixed with dirt per the instructions.

So here it is:

Buck Grub (bag): After several uses and only 1 deer even noticing it in east and west Texas, it was shelved.

Acorn Rage (bag): In east Texas suprising I had lots of deer, mostly young that really liked the stuff. West Texas nothing touched it.

Cmere Deer 3 day harvest: tried this is both east and west with no noticable reaction from deer.

Cmere deer liquid (consentrate and contains vanilla extract): Normally I used it after the 1st morning hunt and by that evening or the next morning I had deer licking bushes or brush that I squirted it on. Also, added to a corn pile. The deer really liked this stuff, I would recommend it.

Swamp Donkey (bag): No real activity east or west Texas. I shelved it.

Big and J BB2 (bag): No real activity east or west Texas, I shelved it.

Deer Cain, Black Magic: No real activity east or west Texas, I shelved it.

Swamp Donkey, Deer butter: Just put some out last weekend in west Texas so no results yet.

AND THE WINNER IS !!!!!!!: The Trophy Rock four65 crushed (bag): The very first day it was poured on the ground The deer would not leave it alone until it was gone. For 3 weeks the game camera and during sits the deer were relentless. Needless to say the spots were refreshed with another 20lb bag last weekend. No results for east Texas but I will be there Saturday morning to check things out.

Those are my results. Im sure opinions vary, depending on where you hunt.
Save yourself some money and go st8 to the Trophy rock four65.
356.) Swamp Fox - 10/08/2014
The one I was talking about is Black Magic Deer Cane. It's not a protein/fat/mineral product---not really-- but the author seems to be lumping it into that category. He notes poor results. Wouldn't be surprised if he put it out too late in the year. It's not a food lure like some of the others. It's to establish a lick.

(I call a lick one thing and a food or curiosity lure like Acorn Rage or C'mere Deer another.)


I have a friend who has deer including bucks tearing something up right now (which would not be what I would expect from Black Magic during Sept/Oct--except maybe some does, and then they'll tail off for a while and start hitting it again in Jan.)----I'll find out what it is and get back to you.
357.) Swamp Fox - 10/08/2014
Ted, it's Boo Boo I'm talking about and he has the Trophy Rock Four 65 out in one spot and is having good luck with it. He put the first bunch (crushed) out over the summer. I think the company recommends starting a site early in the year.

I put the Black Magic out in January each year, with regular "rechargings". I haven't had much luck finding bucks on those sites this time of year. The few sites I might have started in the past around this time of year or a few weeks earlier don't usually get a lot of traffic til Dec/Jan.

Naturally I can't find the ingredients in Black Magic vs. Trophy Rock to show you the difference I'm talking about. If that changes, I'll let you know.

[url]http://www.trophyrock.com/about/why-trophy-rock-works.cfm[/url]
358.) Hunter - 10/09/2014
Interesting. Trophy Rock Four 65 is what the other guy had best results with too
359.) Deerminator - 10/09/2014
A jar of peanut butter nailed to a tree might be just as good.
360.) Swamp Fox - 10/09/2014
Just to avoid giving the wrong impression, I've had great success with Black Magic for what it's intended to do. It's not the kind of stuff that you should [B]expect[/B] to bring bucks in during the hunting season, and even use by does will tail off as they don't need/want what's in Black Magic so much during the fall as they do once they are preggles/ramping up for spring and summer.

I'd say 95% of the sites I've started get absolutely HAMMERED. You can almost throw it out the truck window at random in the middle of nowhere and deer will find it almost immediately. Excellent for alerting deer to a new stand site, feeder or camera. :wink
361.) Swamp Fox - 10/30/2014
Estimate Live Weight of Deer

Handy chart I ran across recently. Haven't verified its usefulness for my deer but I'll give it a whirl now that I copied it and put it in my cleaning kit.

Some other handy info at this site:

[url]http://www.askthemeatman.com/estimate_deer_weight.htm[/url]


Here's a table to estimate your deer's live weight. Measure the girth just behind the front legs.




Girth/Inches
Live Weight
(in pounds)


24 55
25 61
26 66
27 71
28 77
29 82
30 90
31 98
32 102
33 110
34 118
35 126
36 135
37 146
38 157
39 169
40 182
41 195
42 210
43 228
44 244
45 267
46 290
47 310
48 340
362.) Hunter - 10/30/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;26877]Estimate Live Weight of Deer

Handy chart I ran across recently. Haven't verified its usefulness for my deer but I'll give it a whirl now that I copied it and put it in my cleaning kit.

Some other handy info at this site:

[url]http://www.askthemeatman.com/estimate_deer_weight.htm[/url]


Here's a table to estimate your deer's live weight. Measure the girth just behind the front legs.




Girth/Inches
Live Weight
(in pounds)


24 55
25 61
26 66
27 71
28 77
29 82
30 90
31 98
32 102
33 110
34 118
35 126
36 135
37 146
38 157
39 169
40 182
41 195
42 210
43 228
44 244
45 267
46 290
47 310
48 340[/QUOTE]


I'll have to see how that checks out with some of the deer here. I'll let you know
363.) Swamp Fox - 11/01/2014
I tried this on my 10-30 doe. I measured girth at 33 inches and the chart tells me that's 110. On the scale she pulled 105. I'd say that's pretty good.

I'm gonna try it on some more, and if it works out, this is gonna come in handy if I kill one way back some place that requires me to provide a weight (not a guess)... 'Cause I'm not dragging an undressed deer OR a dressed deer out of some places.
364.) Swamp Fox - 12/01/2014
So far, of all the deer I've measured this year, the most the chart has been off is that 5 pounds. I did one the other day that everyone was estimating 130 in the truck bed and I measured for 118. He was 115, which made the guy who shot him feel worse than he already did/should have, LOL. There's a few reasons you shouldn't shoot too late in the evening.

I made mention of my "guessing game" a few days later and that same guy said, 'Guessing game, hell, that's like magic."

We had a pretty good one on the hoist the other night I measured for 169--He pulled 170. Somebody said, ""How'd you do that?" and some young goober replied, "There's an app for everything these days."

I spit some 'bacca juice at a scorpion, looked him in the eye, and said, "App, hell. I did that with a pen and a pad of paper."

:wink
365.) Swamp Fox - 12/01/2014
So, what's up with Butler Creek the last few years? Since they put a yellow tab on their flip-open scope covers, I've broken something like three sets.

I never had a problem with the old red tab models in 30+ years.
366.) toxophilite - 12/02/2014
i have a tape i picked up years ago on one side is 20 through 46 inches, on the other is the estimated Live weight, Dressed weight and Butchered weight all in lbs. over the years i have used it on alot of deer and find it surprisingly accurate. it's called the buckscale and put out by ranging which was part of the coleman company ---30in=L97-D73-B44 / 31in=L104-D79-B47 / 32in=L111-D85-B50 / 33in=L119-D92-B53 / 34in=L127-D99-B57 / 35in=L136-D106-B61 / 36in=L145-D114-B65 / 37in=L156-D123-B69 / 38in=L166-D132-B74 / 39in=L178-D142-B79 / 40in=L191-D153-B85 / 41in=L204-D164-B90 / 42in=L218-D177-B97 / 43in=L234-D190-B103 / 44in=L250-D204-B110 / 45in=L267-D219-B118 / 46in=L286-D234-B126 pick up a cloth measuring tape at the store stick it in your pack with a copy of this and you will know fairly accurately right in the field your deer's weight, just measure deer's body directly in back of the front legs:tu:
367.) Deerminator - 12/02/2014
Ditto what Toxox said.
368.) Swamp Fox - 12/02/2014
I vaguely remember something like that tape from way back. I definitely remember Ranging. They had one of the first rangefinders I ever came across, probably in the late 70's or early 80's. I think it worked with small internal mirrors, crossed copper wires and a wee leprechaun inside doing trigonometry on a tiny notepad and whispering the results in your ear. Or at least it seemed that way at the time. :-)

I wouldn't be surprised if someone makes a tape like that today, although Toxo's tape shows heavier weights than my chart, and I'm extremely happy with the accuracy of my chart. It's been just about dead on for nine or ten deer this year that I've been able to catch before they went on the scale.

By the way, at the ask the meatman site I linked above, there is a formula for figuring field-dressed, hanging, and butchered weights as well. Amazingly, it's easy to remember, too.

Or you can write it down with a pen and a piece of paper, LOL.
369.) Swamp Fox - 12/02/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;27490]So, what's up with Butler Creek the last few years? Since they put a yellow tab on their flip-open scope covers, I've broken something like three sets.

I never had a problem with the old red tab models in 30+ years.[/QUOTE]


Apparently, I'm not the only one. As I suspected, new owners.

I'll have to look into some of the alternatives mentioned, or find some dusty inventory of red-tab BC's in the back of a small gun shop.


[url]http://www.opticstalk.com/butler-creek-lens-covers-beware_topic30022.html[/url]
370.) Wild Bob - 12/02/2014
I only own the older style, and I have never had an issue with them. As a matter of fact, I usually brag about them. Thanks for the good info...I'll stay away from the new version.
371.) Swamp Fox - 12/02/2014
Since most of my scopes are Leupolds, I have been interested in their aluminum scope covers for a while, especially since the first new-version Butler Creek crapped out on me a couple of years ago and my Spidey Sense went off.

But, I never dropped the coin on them. They have screw-in caps for home and the range, and a flip-open version for the actual wet work. Neither is cheap but the flip-open version is extra pricey.

Fortunately, most of my objective bells are the same size, so one set of either kind of cover can make the rounds when any one of several rifles comes out of the safe.

They will fit scopes made after 2003, which is fine, because any scope I own that's older than that has the old, sturdy BC's which I hope are indestructible now that they've come up with a method to disimprove their current models.

So, now it seems Fate has given me an excuse to send more of my money to Beaverton, Oregon since I can see the writing on the wall in regards to my remaining yellow-tab Butler Creeks. You're welcome, Beavertonians.

Another viable, quality alternative for scope protection AND the protection of your bank account seems to be this: the ScopeShield. I'm tempted to buy one or two just because of the owner's biography.

[url]http://scopeshieldalaska.com/id74.html[/url]

[url]http://scopeshieldalaska.com/[/url]
372.) Wild Bob - 12/02/2014
SF...clean out your pm. :-)
373.) Swamp Fox - 12/02/2014
What, again?

I never should have joined that haiku discussion group...Or we should move it over to email...
374.) Swamp Fox - 12/16/2014
[COLOR="#FF0000"]IGNORE THIS WHOLE POST----IT LOOKS LIKE I'M COMPLETELY OUT IN LEFT FIELD ON THIS ONE----SEE THE NEXT POST---

Yours in embarrassment,

Swampy (2-14-15)
[/COLOR]


You all won't believe this...

After finally dropping the coin on some Leupold Alumina scope covers to replace the cheapo new-style Butler Creek I broke....I find the objective cover can't be installed because the hinge is too large to screw in the cover and still clear the barrel. :omg:

It's abso-friggin-lutely useless with a mounted scope.

I cannot believe Leupold has absolutely no warning anywhere that you might not be able to fit your covers to mounted scopes. I use medium and low bases and rings, and can say that if you do, too, that's a Bozo No-No if you want to retrofit these covers.


:td: BIG TIME
375.) Swamp Fox - 02/14/2015
Okay, I'm a big dummy...I just figured out I [B]should[/B] be able to install the objective cover because there is an inner ring which rotates onto the scope threads without having to spin the lid, thus avoiding the clearance issue.

So the problem was all in my head. LOL :bang:

Don't ask me why I didn't figure that out originally, but I WAS in the middle of a hunt. Call it sleep deprivation or the fog of the hunt...Or call it me being a knucklehead.

I already put some caps that I had lying around on that scope, so when I install these Leupolds on something and get a little time in the field with them, I'll try to remember to do a little follow-up.
376.) Swamp Fox - 02/14/2015
BTW, I've seen in the meantime that Vortex has some sturdy-looking scope covers that might fit other makes, so add them to Quake as inexpensive alternatives to the Butler Creek problem.
377.) Wild Bob - 02/15/2015
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;29687]Okay, I'm a big dummy...I just figured out I [B]should[/B] be able to install the objective cover because there is an inner ring which rotates onto the scope threads without having to spin the lid, thus avoiding the clearance issue.

So the problem was all in my head. LOL :bang:

Don't ask me why I didn't figure that out originally, but I WAS in the middle of a hunt. Call it sleep deprivation or the fog of the hunt...Or call it me being a knucklehead.

I already put some caps that I had lying around on that scope, so when I install these Leupolds on something and get a little time in the field with them, I'll try to remember to do a little follow-up.[/QUOTE]

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson :-)
378.) Swamp Fox - 02/15/2015
LMAO!


:nk:


Thanks for the words of encouragement, Wild Bob!


:p
379.) Wild Bob - 03/30/2015
So here's my hunting topic of the day...nothing real earth shattering, but it is exciting to me!

Yesterday evening, for the first time since my back started acting up last October (and subsequent surgery in January) I picked up my bow and started shooting again...and...It was freakin' awesome!! I only shot three rounds of arrows (4 ea in a round) before my muscles started getting fatigued and I knocked off, but I was thrilled as my grouping was pretty dam nice for having laid off for almost 6 full months. And more importantly, my back feels fine.

It was a cool day indeed and a beautiful day to be thankful for! :tu:
380.) bluecat - 03/31/2015
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;30885]So here's my hunting topic of the day...nothing real earth shattering, but it is exciting to me!

Yesterday evening, for the first time since my back started acting up last October (and subsequent surgery in January) I picked up my bow and started shooting again...and...It was freakin' awesome!! I only shot three rounds of arrows (4 ea in a round) before my muscles started getting fatigued and I knocked off, but I was thrilled as my grouping was pretty dam nice for having laid off for almost 6 full months. And more importantly, my back feels fine.

It was a cool day indeed and a beautiful day to be thankful for! :tu:[/QUOTE]

:-) :-)
381.) Deerminator - 03/31/2015
Deer need browse. So I'd look for a spot on a good run which contained a good amount of browse. OR, relocate
to a different area that has a lot of browse.

Browse to bedding trails would be a good choice.
382.) Deerminator - 03/31/2015
Excellent Swampy .
Good news. :tu: Good luck with the birds.
383.) Wild Bob - 03/31/2015
? ? ? - Deerminator are you confused or am I. LOL
384.) Wild Bob - 03/31/2015
Bluecat - :tu: :applause:

Perfect play.

Man, I wish I had a dime for everytime I heard that one as a kid. My old man loved all the old GA and HW. Good stuff!
385.) Deerminator - 03/31/2015
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;30895]? ? ? - Deerminator are you confused or am I. LOL[/QUOTE]

All depends on who you talk to I guess:-)
386.) Swamp Fox - 04/01/2015
[QUOTE=Deerminator;30890]Excellent Swampy .
Good news. :tu: Good luck with the birds.[/QUOTE]


Thanks.

Signed,
Wild Bob?
387.) Wild Bob - 04/01/2015
Quit screwing with me guys...its Wednseday right? :wink
388.) bluecat - 04/01/2015
April Fools Day?
389.) bluecat - 04/02/2015
390.) Wild Bob - 04/02/2015
:applause: That's a good one!
391.) Swamp Fox - 04/02/2015
:-).....
392.) Swamp Fox - 08/19/2015
Pretty good spread about Levi Morgan's shooting style and practice routine in the August 2015 [I]Field & Stream[/I]...One thing that didn't make sense that I'm still trying to figure out...Heavey had a decent column on hitting 60...Plans for a drum smoker that look worth pursuing...Lots of fuggin crossbows...The standard flashes of common sense from Petzal....


So....It has a good beat, and you can dance to it...
393.) Albertabowhunter - 09/28/2015
What's todays topic? yesterdays? who's in charge of these topics? someone's asleep at the wheel.... :wave:
394.) tuggertaz - 09/28/2015
Hello all
395.) Wild Bob - 09/29/2015
Howdy Tuggertaz. Good to see some new participation on here, feel free to throw a topic out there (anyone!)
396.) Swamp Fox - 11/16/2015
Bumping this up in case anyone's interested, LOL...


The thread has 18,600 + views...Only a couple thousand of them are mine...:re:


Was looking for pics of Bluecat's bow holder/harness (worn on chest) in case anyone knows where it is...
397.) bluecat - 11/16/2015
Thought it might be from "How they hangin'", "How they hangin part too" or "How they hangin' part tree"

but I can't find it. Maybe I need a fourth.
398.) Wild Bob - 11/16/2015
Yipes, 18,600!!! That must mean that everyone on here has viewed a couple thousad plus times...scary! I expect that from you Swampy, but not everyone else! :-)
399.) Swamp Fox - 11/16/2015
:tu:
400.) Swamp Fox - 02/10/2016
This is pretty good, if anyone's interested in archery.


401.) bluecat - 02/10/2016
Thanks for posting.
402.) bluecat - 02/10/2016
He forgot the no-cam bow. :grin:
403.) Swamp Fox - 02/10/2016
[QUOTE=bluecat;39295]Thanks for posting.[/QUOTE]



LOL....
404.) Swamp Fox - 02/10/2016
[QUOTE=bluecat;39296]He forgot the no-cam bow. :grin:[/QUOTE]


Comb your hair & button your shoe,
Promenade home like you always do.


:wink
405.) bluecat - 02/10/2016
Swampy, you're kind of like a minstrel with a bow.
406.) Swamp Fox - 02/10/2016
DParker started it...

Just be happy I'm not talking in limericks anymore...For right now...:wink
407.) bluecat - 02/10/2016
[QUOTE=bluecat;39303]Swampy, you're kind of like a minstrel with a bow.[/QUOTE]

Until you get cramps...:wink
408.) Swamp Fox - 02/10/2016
There's a silly place that's right for me,
Though I'm not as skippy as I used to be.
409.) Swamp Fox - 02/16/2016
Who's turkey hunting before April 1 this year?

I want to know how soon I can start a turkey contest thread on here without seeming desperate. LOL

I have until the end of the month to hunt squirrels and then it's fishing season. Once again I blew off doing much deer prep in January and February. Just wasn't feeling it, and the weather's been more lousy than good, seems like. I don't know why I keep thinking this time of year will ever be better, LOL
410.) crookedeye - 02/16/2016
Swampy you might as well just sign all 4 of us up right now and get it over with...
411.) bluecat - 02/16/2016
:laugh:
412.) bluecat - 02/16/2016



This year if a bird comes in strutting and he is not in a big hurry, I may take my first head shot.
413.) crookedeye - 02/16/2016
i like the walking away shot..good video
414.) crookedeye - 02/16/2016
[QUOTE=crookedeye;39470]Swampy you might as well just sign all 4 of us up right now and get it over with...[/QUOTE]

we can make the list bigger as the season draws just to make it look better...lol
415.) Swamp Fox - 02/16/2016
:-)....
416.) Swamp Fox - 02/16/2016
CE, are you gonna get a chance to get out early with the bow?

Do you like early or late in your season if you had to pick one time or another?
417.) Swamp Fox - 02/16/2016
I never liked the idea of shooting at a puffed-up bird, but this video does a good job of explaining where the narrator thinks the vitals are...LOL...

I do think the intersecting line method using the top of the beard for your horizontal reference works on a bird that's not puffed up. I've used it on birds that are standing upright with good success for a while now.

Not sure if I've shot one as far forward as the "leaning" bird in the video...I'll have to go back and look at that again and study it. Shooting where he shows to aim is almost like the old trick of using the speculum for a reference, which I got away from because I felt like it was a little difficult in the heat of the moment....the way I was doing it, at least. My brain goes a little haywire drawn back on a turkey, LOL..

Would anybody shoot that bird anywhere differently?

As far as the head shots go, were they using Guillotine-type heads or were any of those kills with regular broadheads (traditional mechs included)?






But I'll give the video an 8 right now...It has a good beat and you can dance to it. :grin:
418.) crookedeye - 02/16/2016
were thinking the 25 to the 28th of march.. before when i went on private land it was like shooting fish in a barrel we always went the week before shotgun..depending if it got up to about 70 and sunny it was always good..where i go now they get so pressured its best to go before shotgun..theres alot of birds out there though..
419.) Swamp Fox - 02/16/2016
We'll start the contest March 15, then, to catch the SC season and whatever else.

I'll start a thread in a week or so, maybe. Unless I can't stand the suspense.

If anyone will be out before March 15, let me know.

I won't get out 'til April 1 at the earliest.
420.) luv2bowhunt - 02/16/2016
Nothing harder than hunting pressured turkeys. They make pressured deer look easy.


I won the deer contest and never entered. Do I have to enter the turkey contest to win?
421.) Swamp Fox - 02/16/2016
Oh, you entered the deer contest and you no it. Don't play coy with me. :wink

You flagrantly flouted the "Don't snark on this thread or I'll put you in the contest rule" and see what happened? You won the damn thing, LOL!

I'm thinking I'm just going to automatically put you in all future contests whether you screw with the rules or not, just on principle. :wink


:beer:
422.) bluecat - 02/16/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;39485]I never liked the idea of shooting at a puffed-up bird, but this video does a good job of explaining where the narrator thinks the vitals are...LOL...

I do think the intersecting line method using the top of the beard for your horizontal reference works on a bird that's not puffed up. I've used it on birds that are standing upright with good success for a while now.

Not sure if I've shot one as far forward as the "leaning" bird in the video...I'll have to go back and look at that again and study it. Shooting where he shows to aim is almost like the old trick of using the speculum for a reference, which I got away from because I felt like it was a little difficult in the heat of the moment....the way I was doing it, at least. My brain goes a little haywire drawn back on a turkey, LOL..

Would anybody shoot that bird anywhere differently?

As far as the head shots go, were they using Guillotine-type heads or were any of those kills with regular broadheads (traditional mechs included)?






But I'll give the video an 8 right now...It has a good beat and you can dance to it. :grin:[/QUOTE]

There were a couple guillotine shots but the majority looked like regular broadheads.
423.) toxophilite - 04/15/2016
in the last 15 days i've got pictures of 3 different bucks still sporting there racks, i would think they would have lost them long ago. anyone got some ideas why they haven't dropped? :cf:
424.) billy b - 04/15/2016
Our deer in Texas still have antlers, some years they start dropping in late March, some years it takes till late April. They drop them when new ones start to grow behind them, you can look for it to start anytime.
425.) Swamp Fox - 04/15/2016
I've always understood it to be a nutrition thing. I don't think it's as simple as poor nutrition means one thing and excellent nutrition means another. It's more what's IN the diet, if I recall correctly. If you go to the Quality Deer Management Association site, I'll bet they have some information on it. I might get a chance to surf around a little later today, but I'm not counting on it... LOL.
426.) Jon - 04/15/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;40803]I've always understood it to be a nutrition thing. I don't think it's as simple as poor nutrition means one thing and excellent nutrition means another. It's more what's IN the diet, if I recall correctly. If you go to the Quality Deer Management Association site, I'll bet they have some information on it. I might get a chance to surf around a little later today, but I'm not counting on it... LOL.[/QUOTE]

Busy day planned with the cats? :grin:
427.) DParker - 04/15/2016
[QUOTE=Jon;40804]Busy day planned with the cats? :grin:[/QUOTE]

That certainly conjures up some disturbing images.

428.) crookedeye - 04/16/2016
....
429.) bluecat - 04/18/2016
[QUOTE=DParker;40805]That certainly conjures up some disturbing images.

[/QUOTE]

Nice rack.
430.) Swamp Fox - 04/18/2016
[QUOTE=Jon;40804]Busy day planned with the cats? :grin:[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=crookedeye;40806]....[/QUOTE]


LMAO....:beer:
431.) Swamp Fox - 06/22/2016
Dragonfly hunting season has finally arrived! It's the mating season, based on all the naughtiness I'm seeing around my house (I'm a little jealous). So that means the cats have a diversion from baby bunnies (found some pieces parts in the driveway the other morning, strangely laid out in a neat row, with kidneys assuming a position of honor---or revulsion, since they weren't eaten). This is good, because butterfly season went out about a month ago and moth and Japanese beetle seasons haven't stated yet.

In other news, I came across this new treestand a while back. A few people might be interested, since it fills a need. I PM'd one of our esteemed but missing members about it, thinking it would be up his alley, but apparently he went down that alley and is sleeping in a cardboard and won't come out, unless maybe you wave a dollar bill at him, or maybe some hard cider or shoofly pie.

So, anyway: Ta-Da!






[B]I'd like to see how you carry 11.5 pounds on your belt for "easy hands-free-walking" but other than that skepticism, I like the weight and the hanging brackets. I prefer a larger platform and a taller seat, but we all have our own dreams, right?
[/B]


MULTI-TREE HANG-ON STAND w/ 2 QUICK CONNECT TREE BRACKETS
FEATURING FLEXCOMFORT™ TRACTOR SEAT

[1] FlexComfort™ Tractor Seat
Contoured and flexible to provide back and spine support for long hour hunts

[2] Quick Connect Tree Mounting Brackets
Install on multiple trees for multiple stand locations

[3] No Squeaks, No Noise-Quiet Use
Premium Teflon® Washers Prevent Noise

[4] Tough Long-Lasting Construction
Large, Heavy Duty Platform Cables and Durable, Textured Powdercoating

[5] Integrated Platform Hook
Lightweight XPLOR™ Stand easily hangs from your belt for handsfree walking



[url]http://hawkhunting.myshopify.com/collections/hang-on-stands/products/xplor-hang-on[/url]
432.) Swamp Fox - 06/22/2016
Dragonfly hunting season has finally arrived! It's the mating season, based on all the naughtiness I'm seeing around my house (I'm a little jealous). So that means the cats have a diversion from baby bunnies (found some pieces parts in the driveway the other morning, strangely laid out in a neat row, with kidneys assuming a position of honor---or revulsion, since they weren't eaten). This is good, because butterfly season went out about a month ago and moth and Japanese beetle seasons haven't started yet.

In other news, I came across this new treestand a while back. A few people might be interested, since it fills a need. I PM'd one of our esteemed but missing members about it a few weeks ago, thinking it would be up his alley, but apparently he went down that alley and is sleeping in a cardboard and won't come out, unless maybe you wave a dollar bill at him, or maybe some hard cider or shoofly pie.

So, anyway: Ta-Da!






[B]I'd like to see how you carry 11.5 pounds on your belt for "easy hands-free-walking" but other than that skepticism, I like the weight and the hanging brackets. I prefer a larger platform and a taller seat, but we all have our own dreams, right?
[/B]


MULTI-TREE HANG-ON STAND w/ 2 QUICK CONNECT TREE BRACKETS
FEATURING FLEXCOMFORT™ TRACTOR SEAT

[1] FlexComfort™ Tractor Seat
Contoured and flexible to provide back and spine support for long hour hunts

[2] Quick Connect Tree Mounting Brackets
Install on multiple trees for multiple stand locations

[3] No Squeaks, No Noise-Quiet Use
Premium Teflon® Washers Prevent Noise

[4] Tough Long-Lasting Construction
Large, Heavy Duty Platform Cables and Durable, Textured Powdercoating

[5] Integrated Platform Hook
Lightweight XPLOR™ Stand easily hangs from your belt for handsfree walking



[url]http://hawkhunting.myshopify.com/collections/hang-on-stands/products/xplor-hang-on[/url]
433.) bluecat - 06/22/2016
That looks nice. Are you gonna buy one?
434.) Swamp Fox - 06/22/2016
I doubt it. If I buy a new stand to go in and out with, it has to have a leveling system. I could almost overlook the too-small platform and the too-low seat for that.

On the other hand, if I could get a large platform and a tall seat for 11.5 pounds, I'd be very tempted to forego the leveling system and ride the unicorn. The quest would continue while I muddled along. As Meatloaf says, "Two out of three ain't bad."
435.) Swamp Fox - 06/22/2016
Well, really, it would be three out of four.

Math is hard.
436.) DParker - 06/22/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;41844]Well, really, it would be three out of four.[/QUOTE]

437.) Swamp Fox - 06/22/2016
Touche!


LMAO.....:grin:
438.) Swamp Fox - 06/29/2016
Here's an even better stand if you like tall seats [B]and a leveling system[/B]. Luv2 was good enough to point it out to me to compare to the one above. He's really not as bad a human being as everyone says...

You may have to scramble to find it on ebay a discount house.

The Bravada (by Big Game)




Seat ht: 23".
Seat size: 14”W x 9.5”D.
Platform size: 19.5"W x 30.5"D.
Wt: 12 lbs.
Wt. capacity: 350 lbs.



[url]http://www.cabelas.com/product/Big-Game-Treestands-The-Bravada-Hang-On-Treestand/1833596.uts[/url]



439.) Swamp Fox - 07/07/2016
Muddy seems to have removed several lock-on stands from their product web page in the last month or two. The Outfitter is the only one of their old type on there now, and I'm wondering if they discontinued or are just out of stock on the lighter versions of that design/shape. Anybody know?

What they have now are mostly Big Game-type stands, which I'm not sure are/will be the same quality as what they used to sell.
440.) Jon - 07/07/2016
Muddy bought out Big-Game Stands right?
441.) Swamp Fox - 07/07/2016
That's what I thought a while back, but I see stuff these days (on forums) that indicate it's the other way around. I don't know how reliable that is, though.

Big Game Stagger Sticks and BG-like stands began to be sold under the Muddy brand at least a year ago, so I have to think my first idea was correct.
442.) luv2bowhunt - 07/07/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;42038]Here's an even better stand if you like tall seats [B]and a leveling system[/B]. Luv2 was good enough to point it out to me to compare to the one above. He's really not as bad a human being as everyone says...

You may have to scramble to find it on ebay a discount house.

The Bravada (by Big Game)




Seat ht: 23".
Seat size: 14”W x 9.5”D.
Platform size: 19.5"W x 30.5"D.
Wt: 12 lbs.
Wt. capacity: 350 lbs.



[url]http://www.cabelas.com/product/Big-Game-Treestands-The-Bravada-Hang-On-Treestand/1833596.uts[/url]



[/QUOTE]

I saw one of these for sale today at Bass Pro Shop. $179.99 but I got 2 at Cabela's for the clearance price of $129.99.


And you are quite wrong Tarheel. I am even worse than bluecat thinks that Jon said I am.
443.) Swamp Fox - 08/01/2016
I saw one of these today, but he didn't fly like an eagle (apologies to Steve Miller).

He was sitting on a fence post screaming for who knows what reason as I roared past at 50 MPH on a back road out in the land of corn and soybeans. 15 yards away and I could hear him plain as day, 'cause that's how the Bronco rolls for air conditioning.

I think he was just so happy it wasn't 97 bazillion degrees today, he couldn't help himself.

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk








In other news, the Condor El Salvador machete has been great right out of the box, and the pickle barrel corn feeder has made it through its first two days without failing.



[url]http://www.themachetestore.com/products/condor-el-salvador-machete-black-handle-with-sheath/[/url]


444.) bluecat - 08/01/2016
Be careful out there. LOL!
445.) DParker - 08/01/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;42782]In other news, the Condor El Salvador machete has been great right out of the box[/QUOTE]

Told ya'! :-)
446.) Swamp Fox - 09/06/2016
I saw where if you shoot a Hyt Defiant at a dealer, you can enter your name in a drawing for this truck:







Good luck keeping your hunting area secret with that thing...


I have a favorable impression of Ram trucks, though. Never owned one.

What do you think that one will go? About two tons?


:p
447.) bluecat - 09/06/2016
I know people are proud of their rigs but I'm thinking maybe we are compensating for something (bow envy?).

Okay, I got your 2-ton joke. Not funny mister.
448.) DParker - 09/06/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;43551]Good luck keeping your hunting area secret with that thing...[/QUOTE]

It should blend right into the woods....assuming said woods are fully engulfed in a forest fire at the time.
449.) Swamp Fox - 04/17/2017
These have been out for a while, I think, but a friend of mine just mentioned them, so maybe they're catching on a little. Would kinda like to know if the motor or the warranty is any better than whatever Moultrie's putting on buckets these days.

Holds 20 pounds, can be programmed to spin 4X/day. Maybe down to as little as one pound per spin? I'm not sure about that. I'm used to seconds, LOL. Comes with a carry bag and you need overhanging limbs for setting it up. That means it wouldn't work for a lot of places I hunt, but an interesting idea nonetheless.




[url]https://outpostfeeder.com/[/url]
450.) bluecat - 04/17/2017
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;43551]I saw where if you shoot a Hyt Defiant at a dealer, you can...
[/QUOTE]

Commas save lives Swampy. Okay we're even. LOL!
451.) Swamp Fox - 04/18/2017
:-)


Next, we have to do something about those elephants wearing pajamas...
452.) Wild Bob - 04/18/2017
"Holds 20 pounds, can be programmed to spin 4X/day. Maybe down to as little as one pound per spin? I'm not sure about that. I'm used to seconds, LOL. Comes with a carry bag and you need overhanging limbs for setting it up. That means it wouldn't work for a lot of places I hunt, but an interesting idea nonetheless."

Now that sounds like the comment of someone that knows how to bait! (Especially the parts about 4x day and being used to seconds...) Say, wouldn't that kind of expert insight perhaps entitle one to be considered part of an elite group of a master baiters??? :-)

Sorry, but you've been stumbling into that on this one... I'm surprised no one else seized the opportunity to comment sooner...
453.) Swamp Fox - 04/18/2017
That reminds me: I need to make an appointment with the eye doctor...
454.) Swamp Fox - 01/08/2018
It's January, so it must be time for sites to talk about the ATA ...LOL


What's the chatter out there? :pop:
455.) DParker - 01/08/2018
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;54142]It's January, so it must be time for sites to talk about the ATA ...LOL[/QUOTE]

The American Taekwondo Association?
456.) bluecat - 01/08/2018
I prefer a 34 inch Axel To Axel bow myself.
457.) Swamp Fox - 01/10/2018
We need a Gorilla Channel around here to reach a wider hunting audience and create some engagement and buzzz ...


We could start out small. Charge $5 to post a video and give unlimited opportunity to promote your Facebook page throughout the show. Every fifth show (at least) would have to be about gorillas, but other than that you're free to show any hunting content you like, including hunting with knives and spears. There should be some Gear Time segments, but not all promotey and stuff.

Who wants to ring the bell on Wall Street with me?
458.) Swamp Fox - 01/10/2018
No takers?

Okay ... What if we include a hat with the first airtime purchase, and promise to monitor the website comments section to remove box-blind hate? Also, we could open the channel up to spot shooters who want to show video of league nights and such. This should appeal to the crowd that won't be seeing green grass again until April.

I hope we don't have to carry ice-fishing, but I'll do it if that's what it takes to make this thing a success.

Suggestions?
459.) Swamp Fox - 01/10/2018
We could give some reporter-type a slot between shows and knife-sharpening infomercials. If Glenn Beck can build The Blaze and Jon Stewart can be a news source, we can give it a stab.

We should cover anything newsy in the outdoors, or having to do with the Second Amendment, boats, trucks, or ATVs/UTVs. If someone comes out with a new camo pattern, we should cover it.



460.) DParker - 01/11/2018
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;54173]We could give some reporter-type a slot between shows and knife-sharpening infomercials. If Glen Beck can build The Blaze and Jon Stewart can be a news source, we can give it a stab.

We should cover anything newsy in the outdoors, or having to do with the Second Amendment, boats, trucks, or ATVs/UTVs. If someone comes out with a new camo pattern, we should cover it.



[/QUOTE]

"What were you doing in there?"

"Just shootin' the sh-t."
461.) Swamp Fox - 01/11/2018
It's a slow news day here at Gorilla Outdoor TV, but I heard somebody's come out with a new cell phone case for hunters. It comes in the very hot RealMoss Extra-Max camo, and generates industrial-strength ozone so you no longer need to carry a bulky fan unit with you in the woods.

Also, with a special app you can buy for $1.99, it will spritz the air with your favorite deer scent each time you reach a new level in your favorite phone game, or at every tenth text message you send. So goodbye annoying scent wicks!

I'll report back when I learn more.