Our season ended Saturday, and with a slight warmup today, I took advantage of it. Gathered up some blunts, got the Whip strung up,grabbed the camera and my fanny pack and out the door we went.
The thermometer inside the screen porch usually reads a little warmer.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0588_zpsb7867a72.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0588_zpsb7867a72.jpg.html)
Even with the warmup the wind kept it chilly.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0589_zps67fbd57f.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0589_zps67fbd57f.jpg.html)
It's not to warm.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0593_zps0b9d4c7a.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0593_zps0b9d4c7a.jpg.html)
That's warmer than it was here in TX today!
We have 1 week left, and I have 1 tag left.
Bisch
Nice big stump.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0594_zpsbc8a2d1d.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0594_zpsbc8a2d1d.jpg.html)
Even looks better now.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0595_zps237d0ca8.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0595_zps237d0ca8.jpg.html)
Good luck to you Bisch!
Good looking line....
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0596_zps7baebab9.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0596_zps7baebab9.jpg.html)
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0597_zps15aeb0dc.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0597_zps15aeb0dc.jpg.html)
For you that have never stump shot before...when they look like this let them be. They will usually consume your arrow in one way or another. Carbon,aluminum, or wood. These petrified beauties will eat them all up!
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0598_zpsfa7527ed.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0598_zpsfa7527ed.jpg.html)
Heading to the top.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0599_zps311ea18b.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0599_zps311ea18b.jpg.html)
Now, here is a stumper's dream. That nice punky orange color almost always is a shooter. Lots of old Cherry stumps in this part of the woods.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0600_zps4ba3cd23.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0600_zps4ba3cd23.jpg.html)
Nice trail....
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0601_zps569cfb51.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0601_zps569cfb51.jpg.html)
Like I said, I'm shooting my Whip today. Beaman 500's with a 185 gr field point with a Grasshopper behind it. About 210 total up front.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0602_zps276ae6fa.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0602_zps276ae6fa.jpg.html)
So how many of you guys have that favorite piece of woods where you hunt, that one where you just know something is going to happen. This stand of Hemlocks is the one for me.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0603_zpsf5c2559e.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0603_zpsf5c2559e.jpg.html)
As I got up into those Hemlocks I stopped for a few minutes and just looked around. Up above me on the flat I saw a deer and then watched as about 8 of them headed west. I tried to get the camera on them but it happened pretty quick.
Up on the flat.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0604_zps8d4e32af.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0604_zps8d4e32af.jpg.html)
This would be them looking down in my direction.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0608_zps14abcdcf.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0608_zps14abcdcf.jpg.html)
This big Oak blowdown is going to be one of my sits for next year.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0609_zps288092f2.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0609_zps288092f2.jpg.html)
Nice side hill.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0611_zps6571e408.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0611_zps6571e408.jpg.html)
Have something bright on your arrow when you stump...there not always sticking wood!
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0612_zps8ced219a.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0612_zps8ced219a.jpg.html)
Were up on the first bench now and the snow really lets you see into the woods.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0613_zps68ceeac9.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0613_zps68ceeac9.jpg.html)
All kinds of critters up here.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0614_zps5e1c27ff.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0614_zps5e1c27ff.jpg.html)
That bigger ridge up there is where I am heading
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0617_zps67a93088.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0617_zps67a93088.jpg.html)
Outstanding photos. Thanks for taking us along, just seeing these pictures makes the wife and I want to go back out. Those are some beautiful woods you got there.
Thank you buddy. Great way to spend a couple hours.
This first bench is seeing all kinds of activity.....
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0619_zps16caf356.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0619_zps16caf356.jpg.html)
This is where I have to make a sharp right....
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0620_zpsb9c918c7.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0620_zpsb9c918c7.jpg.html)
MB you're making me misty for the North PA woods and snow. Grew up in Union county. Its chilly here 38-45 but no snow. Last snow was 1985.
I am going to be going down a really steep ravine to the bottom, and on the way down I heard deer on the far side. It was a doe and two yearlings and this was not the first time I had some type of optics on them.
I did manage to get the camera on them, they were at least 200 yds away. They are slightly above center. Heavy zoom makes a clear picture tough.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0621_zps4a7a7664.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0621_zps4a7a7664.jpg.html)
Count your blessings Wudstix, it's over rated!
I was seeing this guys sign a lot this season, not sure if he made it through or not. It is going to really start getting steep and wooly soon!
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0622_zps6ae66148.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0622_zps6ae66148.jpg.html)
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0623_zpsa8346e42.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0623_zpsa8346e42.jpg.html)
Here's looking up from where I came.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0624_zps18a35f63.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0624_zps18a35f63.jpg.html)
And another....
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0627_zps233ddd24.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0627_zps233ddd24.jpg.html)
Break time, almost to the bottom.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0625_zps162f67f2.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0625_zps162f67f2.jpg.html)
Allright, down to the bottom and managed to keep my feet underneath me and the Whip in one piece. Thank you God!
Who likes a campfire? I do, even if it's a small one. It just gives you a good feeling inside.
Take the stuff in the bag + the twigs laying beside it, and you can get one lit real quick.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0628_zps2f0ce290.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0628_zps2f0ce290.jpg.html)
I knew you were going to ask. A pack of matches, some dryer lint, and an old bird nest.
The bag keeps it together and dry.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0629_zpsb8c4b53f.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0629_zpsb8c4b53f.jpg.html)
So brush the snow away, put a couple dry leaves down, now some dryer lint, now the bird nest and then more lint.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0630_zpsd4031892.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0630_zpsd4031892.jpg.html)
Place your dry twigs on top, light the lint on the bottom,and.....
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0631_zps2017985c.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0631_zps2017985c.jpg.html)
There she goes.....
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0632_zps27f9ecb0.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0632_zps27f9ecb0.jpg.html)
Might as well take in some nourishment.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0633_zps61296128.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0633_zps61296128.jpg.html)
So let me tell you about my flask, and it has well water in it by the way. I bought this at a Camping store a few years ago. Made by SIGG and of Stainless Steel. Nice slim design and an alternative to plastic. I love it!
One day I was in a hurry so I filled the flask and put it in the freezer......and forgot! My flask lost it's nice sleek shape..
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0635_zpsa2d88ded.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0635_zpsa2d88ded.jpg.html)
Oh well....
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0636_zpsf4cccbb9.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0636_zpsf4cccbb9.jpg.html)
I have some boot leather to put down yet, better get going!
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0634_zps25676e55.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0634_zps25676e55.jpg.html)
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0640_zpsfb61acb4.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0640_zpsfb61acb4.jpg.html)
That should do it.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0641_zps90c42583.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0641_zps90c42583.jpg.html)
Here is going to be another sit for next year. This is going to be a good one.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0642_zps61878f67.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0642_zps61878f67.jpg.html)
Lots of digging going on up through here. Lot's of acorns this year.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0643_zps008ff02f.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0643_zps008ff02f.jpg.html)
You would probably have to catch them dropping if you wanted them any fresher.....
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0644_zpsde2d8cca.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0644_zpsde2d8cca.jpg.html)
It really gets rocky now till we get to the top...
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0645_zps885ff42e.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0645_zps885ff42e.jpg.html)
When I see one lone bed like this my wheels really start turning.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0646_zpsa733b67a.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0646_zpsa733b67a.jpg.html)
Looks like good sign to me.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0647_zps20d52240.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0647_zps20d52240.jpg.html)
So I am finally at the top. An old set of poles run the length of it along with and old road that traverses back and forth across it.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0648_zpsbf1fa56c.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0648_zpsbf1fa56c.jpg.html)
And keep your eyes open because there are some big boys in this part of the woods.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0649_zps0f1a591e.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0649_zps0f1a591e.jpg.html)
So like they say, "All good trails come to an end." and this one has also.
I have some other ridges to climb and valleys to cross. I have enjoyed this site immensely, made some friends, shared thoughts and ideas and prayers with a bunch. It has been my pleasure to be able to share with all of you.
Keep the wind in your face and the sun to your back.
Good Hunting....Good Shooting,
Craig
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0650_zps2984b451.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0650_zps2984b451.jpg.html)
Great stuff as always Craig. Still at it in NJ, but now it's just stumpin' in PA.
QuoteOriginally posted by Wudstix:
MB you're making me misty for the North PA woods and snow. Grew up in Union county. Its chilly here 38-45 but no snow. Last snow was 1985.
Wanna trade? Up here we got plenty of snow the last couple o'days, and more is to come. All my favorite stumps have gone into hiding...
Monkeyball:
Nice pics, and I really like that leaf-forest. Not much of that here in Norway.
"Steep and woolly" is right! Great looking country.
I love the hardwood with a skiff of snow for the tracks it shows. Gotta love the little "hand warmer" fire as well. That lone bed by the hardwood...
Thanks for sharing.
Fine looking piece of property and some great pic's.Thanks for taking us along. :archer:
Looks like a few of my favorite haunts down here Monkeyball. A few of the big boys made it through I reckon so they will be a year smarter...should be good one next year. Great pics. Going after some bushy tailed treerats and stumps now. Good luck be safe!
Thanks for taking us along monkeyball
Great Pics Craig! Sorry you had to listen to that fat lady singing.
Thanks for sharing. Those pics got me off to a good start today at work.
Ahhh if only Sunday's weather could've happened Saturday! It was -10 here Saturday and I couldn't make it longer than an hour or two.
Sad to see it come to an end, but you're right, it sure was a great season.
Alex
That looks like quite a nice adventure you took us on. Thank you so much!
Like always...... :clapper: :clapper:
Craig thanks for taking us along! Always enjoy your posts and look forward to the next one! Thanks again!
Great post Craig and the end of another season! See you this spring.....Tim
Thanks for taking us along. I always enjoy your photos and hikes in the woods. You have some nice looking spots to hit next fall.
Bernie
Beautiful pic's, looks like a real nice day. Thanks for sharing.
fun pictures.
Neat looking riser on your whip.
Come down the the SE corner and you can hunt for a few more weeks!!
Alway nice to be with you on these walks. You cover the miles. Is that private land cuz that's a lot of territory for eastern hunting. I have 4-5 acres so can't wander a lot, thank the Lord the deer like it and it is productive. That lone bed against the big tree is haunting!
Monkeyball, you gotta head south and east to my neck of PA, we still have a couple more weeks left.
Its sad when the season comes to an end. You wait half of winter to fall to go back out huntin then the next thing you its over.
:thumbsup: :campfire:
Thanks for the walk through the timber. Very nice trip