This year was a very hard hunting year for me in PA.  Archery season produced only one shooter buck out of range.  I did have an opportunity at a doe but had a clean miss.  She too was just out of range and I misjudged the shot distance.  Only several other deer were spotted during the many hours in the field of archery here in Pennsylvania. I found hunting public grounds pretty tough. There was very little feed due to the gypsy moths and that pushed the deer into other areas. So all I could hope for was better luck during the Pennsylvania rifle season.

Winter is such a magical time of the year as we watch the woods transform into a silent escape.  Food sources being covered whitetails seem to minimize movement.  Then there is the invasion of orange disrupting the stillness with echoes of gun fire.

 I put in a great deal of time but couldn’t get a shooter buck within my sites during archery or rifle seasons here in Pennsylvania.  Unable to put that buck on the ground I longed for venison to fill my freezer.  I decided that I would take a mature doe as soon as the opportunity would present itself. That opportunity happened the first Wednesday of rifle season.  The morning only produced about 2 shots in the far off distance on the Game Lands we were hunting. Then around 10:00AM around 100+ yards I could see 5 deer moving through the timber up the hill from me.  About 5 minutes later the turned and headed down the hill at an angle right to me. The first one leading was a big mature doe.  I let the rifle bark and she dropped within 30 yards from where I was standing.

The first Saturday of rifle I headed back out hoping to possibly connect with a buck.  The snow started about an hour after we were in the woods. And it snowed and snowed and at one time looked like  a blizzard.  There was no way to keep the camera dry so we packed it away. Within 2 hours we had several inches of snow on the ground. Everything was covered. There was no movement and no shots.  It sure didn’t seem like the first Saturday of rifle season in Pennsylvania. We saw only one other hunter and by 8 AM he got up and left. The snow wasn’t letting up and I knew without hunters moving, the deer weren’t going to be moving much either.

Since Don didn’t have a rifle he decided to sit looking one way and I would keep an eye on the other. It was so hard to see and it was totally silent. If you weren’t seeing the deer you sure weren’t going to hear them! Shortly after 9 AM Don sees 2 deer sneaking up behind us. I quickly scope them, no horns. I quickly decided to fill my second doe tag. 30.06 cracked and down went my second mature doe. 

I have hunted for many years and in all the years I have hunted I have NEVER shot 2 deer in one year. I never felt the need. I usually was blessed to shoot a buck in archery or rifle and then I was done. It was enough meat to last the year. So this was a first. Jimmy hadn’t been having luck at that point hunting either so I told him if I could shoot another doe I would so he could get his deer bologna he likes made.  And I don’t know if any of you have seen the size of my kid lately?  Well he is 13 and 6 foot tall.  So we can use more than one deer a year now. 

The rest of the season I hunted for a buck but mother nature didn’t cooperate much either. Ice, Snow, rain, high winds we had it all.  I still went out with the hopes the Lord would bless me with a shooter buck. But it just didn’t happen. 

I was tickled to finally put a deer on the ground this year. Well, two actually.  It will definitely be a Pennsylvania hunting season to remember. Spending time afield is a blessing! The harvest, that’s the bonus!

Listening to my loved ones and friends recreate their hunting adventures and sharing my hunts with them brings smiles to everyone’s face. Creating memories that will last a lifetime and reinforces our heritage in the minds of those who cherish every trip afield. 

 Here are some pictures from family and friends who were successful this year during the PA whitetail season.

Dad with his archery doe.

Don with his archery doe.

Brandon with his archery doe.

Don with his rifle buck.

Jimmy’s friend Cody with his first buck.

Friend Tom’s nice rifle buck.

Brandon’s friend Scott with his flintlock doe.

Jimmy with his first ever muzzleloader kill.

• Medalist Stalker Fleece Pants and Coat
• Medalist  Base Layers
• Medalist Packable Rain Coat and Pants
• Medalist Gloves and Facemask
• Medalist socks
• Hunter Safety Systems Pro-Series Vest
• Hunter Safety Systems Bow Holster
• LaCrosse Alph Burly Rubber Boots
• PSE Nova Bow 50 #
• Rage 100 grain 3 Blade Broadheads
• 5575 Gold Tip Arrows
• True Fire Release
• Bushnell Range Finder with Arc
• Nikon Binoculars
• XHA-1 HD Video Camera
• Muddy Tree Arm

Last year at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor show I noticed an Outfitter Booth that had a whitetail hunter’s dream.  Big bucks displayed all over their wall.  Although I talked to other Whitetail Outfitters, there was something that kept drawing me back to this booth.  Finally I went up and spoke with the Outfitter, Carter’s Hunting Lodge in Pike County, Illinois.  The gentlemen I spoke with were Randy Hall and Nathan Carter. After working out some minor details we had a hunt planned for me in November, 2009 in Pike County during the rut.  Excited isn’t even the word.  Although I think everyone dreams of hunting the big mid-west bucks at some point in their hunting career.  I realized my dream was going to happen.

Carter’s Lodge above.

Some of the impressive bucks hanging on the Lodge wall. These big bucks are enough to make even a seasoned hunter “Drool”!

It seemed like time flew and before you knew it, November was here and it was time to hit the woods with Carter Hunting Lodge. On the way out, Randy sent me a text message showing me the buck one of their hunters from Georgia shot the night before. A 10 point 166 inch. I was “wired!”

166 inch 10 pointer shot the night before I left for Carter’s.

Don and I drove the 12 hour + trip to Milton, Illinois. (Right outside of Pittsfield, Illinois)   We were greeted by Nathan at the Lodge and after I took a few practice shots with my bow, we met with Randy for a tour of some of the property.  When I say some, I mean only a small portion.  Carter’s has over 8,000 acres of prime Pike County hunting land. Corn, food plots, deer, and more deer, and did I mention they have deer?  Well our first tour proved that the rut was on. We were able to witness and film a small 140 class buck tending a doe at dusk in a field. Proof the rut was on!!!!  This made me even more “wired” to get in a stand the next day.  During our ride Randy explained how things worked at Carter’s, the food plots, antler requirements of a 140 inch rack or better, tree stands, they have over 250 double stands hung all over the property.

Above talking with Nathan at Carter’s Hunting Lodge.

Taking some practice shots.

Above, Randy is showing me trail cam pictures of their big bucks at the office, Carter Network Realty.

Above, our Guide for the week, Eddie Anderson

Our first evening out to hunt we weren’t in the stand more than 45 minutes when we saw out first buck across the hillside, with his nose to the ground, grunting.  We also saw a small buck and a doe and fawn.  I just knew this was a sign of good things to come.

Big Cedar tree rub…don’t think a little spike did this!!!

Don 24+ feet up hooking up camera equipment.

The next morning, Eddie Anderson, our Guide, took us to another location he said had no pressure and hadn’t been hunted. As we pulled into the field to the path leading into our stand, off ran about 20 deer.  Does and bucks around 120+ inches.  “Small bucks” as we would refer to them out at Carter’s for the week.  Back home they would have been “shooters”!  As we were gathering our equipment form Eddie’s truck we heard crashing down in the woods behind us and a buck grunting loudly.  We all just smiled!  As Eddie lead us down the path to our tree perch for the day, the woods reeked of buck urine. It smelled like you walked into a “Tinks” factory.  There were scrapes about every 50-75 yards along the path.  The whole walk in we still heard grunts and deer running all around us.  Eddie smiled and told Don, “You better have that camera ready at first light!”  As we were climbing into our stand, hauling up cameras, equipment, my bow, there were literally deer walking all around us. As if we weren’t even there.  I was so “wired” for daylight to hit so we could see the sights. I was like a kid at Christmas!!!  I thought daylight would NEVER arrive. I kept whispering to Don, “Camera light yet?” I wanted to know as soon as he had camera light so if a buck arrived I had the go!  As the sun rose over the tree tops, deer started to filter into the hollow.  We had a small pond in front of us and could hear wood ducks hit the pond.  Soon we saw some doe and fawns head into the pond for a drink. Then our first buck a small buck.  We heard and saw a piece of farm equipment in the field above us cutting corn.  Everything was late this year getting cut due to the high amount of rain they received out in Illinois.  Nathan, Randy, Eddie, Dale kept telling us, “The deer are in the corn!”  Well, we saw proof of this.  As the corn was being cut, we looked up the hill and a string of deer started out of the corn down the hollow.  One right after another came, does, small bucks.  It was something!  It was only 11 AM and we had seen more deer than I could have imagined.  Around Noon we saw a movement at the other side of the pond and sure enough it had a high rack.  But I was unable to tell how big he was.  He slowly moved around the pond and to my right side with another small rack buck.  (small meaning about 110+)  As he stepped out I knew he wasn’t a “Carter Shooter” but he was a buck with potential.  At home…he would have been drawn on. But I let him walk.  Don and I were just excited to see a nice buck.  The day was busy.  At one time, Don said, “Teresa, small buck to your right!”  I answered, “I know, but I have doe right under me to the left!”  There was just action and deer moving ALL DAY LONG!!!!  It made the day go by so fast.  Finally I hear movement behind us.  Don was filming deer at the pond and as I look I see a buck with a “Noticeable” rack on the bank behind us at about 300 yards.  He was following a doe. I tell him there is a buck.  Possible shooter!  So the bleating grunts and rattling started.  After about 10 minutes we see the buck coming back down the hill to a deep ravine behind us.  He crests the hill 20 yards and offers a broadside shot.  At this time…Don and I are whispering back and forth whether or not he was a 140 inch rack.  He was high, heavy, a 10 point…but did he have it all?  The only thing that left me unsure was he had shorter brow tines.  But I was ready to draw and Don said, “No, I think he’s close but not sure.  May not be there. Let him go!”   So I watched as this beautiful 10 point, walked out of range…VERY SLOWLY may I add.  But I was so Wired Up with the fact I got to see a buck like this at 20 yards.  My hopes were high for another.

Above, the 10 pointer I passed up.

As we got back to camp, one of the guys, Victor, had already gotten his deer first day in camp. 141 inch buck.  Victor has gotten a buck at Carter’s 6 out of 8 years hunting there.

Don was explaining to the guys about the buck we passed on.  Teasing he would pay them to tell me it wasn’t a 140 inch buck even if it was. He was hoping he didn’t make a mistake by telling me not to shoot.  The guys all gathered around and watched the footage.  They said he was REAL close, but not sure if he quite made a 140.  Could be, but not sure. Plus he was a young deer.  All I know…if this guy makes it until next year…he is going to be a beast! Needless to say they all agreed we did the right thing.  Randy kept trying to stress to us, “If you have to THINK about it and try to add the buck’s rack up in your head…..he’s too close for comfort…let him walk!! When you see a big boy…you will just know…there won’t be ANY thinking or judging!”  At this point, it wasn’t as if we didn’t believe Randy…but not having bucks of this caliber around our home hunting grounds, it WAS hard to believe.  But I was still Wired up for the next day to arrive.
Next day, being so much activity went on there, we decided to hunt the same stand.  Saw the same 10 point again.  At this point he kept looking bigger.  But he wasn’t in shooting distance.  Another small 120 buck and numerous does and small bucks.  The wind was around 25mph that day. The afternoon lead us to another stand up over the hill that was at a point of numerous cornfields. You could see forever from this stand.  Eddie told us this was a good afternoon stand and that this is where they had been seeing all the big bucks at. Meaning 180, 195+.  The wind didn’t seem to bother the deer here like it does back home. We saw several does and some more small bucks.

Morning lead us to another stand overlooking a cut cornfield with green grass bordering. This is the stand where we realized what Randy had been telling us.  Around 8:30 AM we saw a doe across the field ready to jump a fence. Don said, “Get ready!” Sure enough all you could see were antlers and then the BIG BOY jumped the fence.  This was the biggest bodied deer I had ever seen in my life. Mass the whole way out his antlers. A big heavy 12 point, dogging a doe, grunting across the field.  He followed her and got within 60 yards, but there was no leaving her.  We heard his growls…YES; I said Growls and Roars behind us.  I had never heard anything like this in my life.  COOL!  The day passed with some small bucks, does and fawns.  The next day more of the same.

Everyone in camp was talking about the big bucks they were seeing. Everyday we saw deer, bucks, and “Carter Shooter” bucks.  But until this point nothing within range.  As everyone back in camp agreed around the dinner table, you just can’t wait to get back out the next day and see what is around the tree!  Why? Because you know you are going to see something and it just may be that shooter.

Everyone at camp, at home, my friends on facebook, kept telling me that “Thursday” was BBD day.  Back to our stand in the hollow, or holler as they say out there.  Does and small bucks near the pond in the morning.  Late morning behind us, Don sees a MONSTER, at least a 190 inch buck chasing a doe behind us.  I knew this buck had to be big. I have NEVER seen Don this excited and frantic about a buck.  This one he was over the top.  He grabbed the grunt call, horns, bleat and through the kitchen sink at it.  But to no avail.  Around 3 PM I look up on the hill and about 400 yards I see a buck rubbing his horns on a tree. Don caught him with the camera.  After a few grunt roars, we turned his head and headed down the path toward the ravine.  Don was keeping an eye there to see if he would come our way, when out to my right came 2 doe busting down out of the field! I was sure a buck was chasing them. The stopped to my right at a scrape.  I could tell the one doe was in and was keeping an eye on what might be following behind.  When something caught my eye to the left coming around the pond. I could tell it was a bigger bodied deer but didn’t want to move too much to spook the doe 10 yards in front of me standing in the scrape.  Just then, the doe walked over to my left also about 20 yards behind me.  Did you ever just get a feeling like “this isn’t good!”  Why? I didn’t’ know. I mean usually you would want doe by your stand. Especially in the rut, especially if they are in heat!  But something just didn’t feel right.  Just then I looked up the path coming to my stand and I saw HIM!  Yes, as soon as my eyes lay upon this buck I KNEW HE WAS A “Carter Shooter”!!!  He was wide past his ears and HIGH!  I started praying!  I can honestly say this is the FIRST buck I ever saw in the woods that made my knees shake!!!  He was smelling our drag line headed right down the path to us.  If he continued I knew I would have a ten yard broadside shot!   Then it happened.  The doe moved. Too soon. Meaning he didn’t make it down the path far enough to get a closer shot.  He saw them and started his show. Lifting each leg high with each step and stomping it down all the while never taking his eyes off the does.

As he went behind a brush area I drew.  He was 30 yards. The doe started to move down the ravine and he angled away. Hard quartering away.  I fired off the shot.  WHIFF!!!  To his left.  WHAT????  This cannot be.  He took one leap and stood there.

One doe never moved the other, as if nothing had happened, slowly walked down the hill.  I knocked another arrow, frantically I may add.  Hoping the hot doe would bring him back up past the stand.  It started to look that way. But she decided to go down and across the other side. He followed.

Putting on a show. Even turning and looking up the hill as if to laugh.

I was SICK!

Don’t I look sick? I just missed the biggest buck of my life!

I could NOT believe the biggest buck of my life just slipped through my fingers. After a few minutes. I realized. That’s hunting.  I was excited and thrilled that I even got an opportunity at a trophy buck of that caliber. What happened, I don’t know. Don and I did notice the next morning in the stand there were a few briar twigs high enough where he was standing that the arrow may have hit and deflected.  OR it could have been I looked at the shot and didn’t hold through.  The heat of the moment I honestly don’t know.  At least it was a clean miss.  When Eddie came to pick us up that evening,I was so excited in telling him about the buck I missed He just laughed. Saying that you would have thought I had gotten it as excited as we were.  Well in reviewing pictures, the buck had kickers and stickers and Randy is guessing in the 160’s.  Just wasn’t meant to be.
Friday was like the other days, plenty of deer to be seen, “Carter shooter” bucks, even the one I missed the day before.  Just none of them within range.

Relaxing at the Lodge after a long day, laughing and telling stories with Randy Hall and Eddie Anderson.

Saturday we spent time with Randy and Eddie before leaving. Finishing up filming, visiting the Archery Shop and Jeff Foiles shop and display room.

Above, Eddie, Randy and I talking at the “Archery Shop” in Pike County.

Above, Jeff Foiles store and showroom.

Above, Eddie goofing around.

Dale Carter and I at the only eatery in Milton, Dink’s Diner.

Don and I

Our first time spent at Carter’s Hunting Lodge will remain with us forever.  Don and I saw over 50 bucks through the week. Numerous BIG BUCKS (meaning over 140 inches), does and fawns everywhere.  This is a whitetail hunter’s paradise.  I know this is a place I plan on coming back next year. If you want to hunt TROPHY whitetail. Come to Carter’s!  Plenty of opportunity to see and harvest a TROPHY whitetail. The Lodge is laid back and comfortable, good food, good people, good friends, land, and more land.  And oh yeah they have deer!!  Their management of the whitetail on their property allows these bucks to get to their full potential.  Which allows us the possibility of harvesting a trophy whitetail!

 Last year I spoke to a gentlemen over the phone who had a product he was interested in me trying out while goose hunting. This would be Mr. Larry Juhl from Janesville, Wisconsin. Needless to say we had quite a lengthy conversation about geese.  One conversation lead to another and soon he was telling me about a program he initiated in Janesville to control the nuisance goose population called GEESE PLEASE, (Private Lands Enrolled As Shooting Environments).

Geese Please is a program that Larry Juhl himself implemented to maintain local goose populations at established quota levels and to safely pursue the geese that take up residency within the city limits. These geese are not otherwise subject to public hunting pressure.  The program must have Land owner permission, police department authorization for firearm discharge and Parks Department discretion for time, place and duration.  The hunters must adhere to all Federal and State waterfowl regulations.  Larry has taken great pride in this program and it’s success thus far. But not only has he implemented a SAFE and controlled environment for hunter’s to take nuisance geese with the city limits, Larry has devoted much of his time in helping with the nuisance resident geese in many ways. such as a make shift fence that he installs at the local parks to help with waste left behind by the geese. The fence works to keep geese off the grass. This is only one way he has worked to help preserve and contain the quarry that he so passionately pursues.

Larry Juhl, Owner Inventor of the Smart Stick, Goose Tree Decoy System and Just a Bale Blind.

In a conversation I had told Larry that this was such a great story line. Since you read so much in the National newspapers how so many cities in order to control their resident goose  populations are gassing, sniping, and using various means to kill nuisance geese, rather than finding a way, if possible t control them by hunting as Larry has. He then graciously and without hesitation invited me and the Wired Outdoors crew out to hunt with him and his friends.  Of course, I agreed!

We loaded up the Wired Outdoors vehicle and headed into a world of the unknown.  We traveled through the night to miss traffic and meet the demands of our host Mr. Larry Juhl. Of which may I say had a very detailed itinerary that was sent prior to our departure.

The trip would take us from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania to Janesville, Wisconsin. A town where kindness spewed from it’s residents.  The crew met up with our host, Larry Juhl at the Baymont Inn. After quick introductions and a few jokes…which we soon learned was a trademark of Larry’s, we were off to tour Janesville. Myself and Don Ott with camera in hand were escorted in Larry’s vehicle while fellow crew members Eddie Wise and Bob Miller followed in tow. We toured the parks where the geese take up residency and where a detailed explanation of how a man that loves nature and an avid waterfowl hunter would become a legend in his own town. Every where we stopped you would hear people say, “Oh you are Larry..so and so hunted with you.” Or they knew him the moment he stepped in and greeted him with a smile.

Larry is the Owner and Inventor of the Smart Stick and Goose Tree Decoy System. He lives for his Faith, family and love of waterfowl hunting.  Assuring that anyone in his company will be given every opportunity to expand his or her knowledge, enjoy a clean joke, and be overwhelmed with a good story. His mere presence will put a smile on your face and to harvest a few geese…well that’s just a bonus!

We visited a few of the parks that held the geese. Janesville is known for it’s Parks, appropriately named “The City of Parks”. Some of the parks we visited to name only a few, Montery Park, Jeffris Park, and Rotary Gardens. It didn’t take long to see why the geese are considered a nuisance. With the water and grass it is a natural attractant for geese and there was sign of them everywhere.

Some of the “sights” at the Parks in Janesville.

While on our trip, Larry gave us a grand tour of some of Wisconsin’s landmark treasures. Black Hawk Monument, Veterans Plaza, Rock River, the Milton House and of course, Horicon Marsh. This was worth the trip in itself to see history of the Black Hawk War, The Milton House history of the underground railroad and the famous waterfowl mecca of Horicon Marsh. Every town we stopped in had something to see and Larry made sure we saw it.

Black Hawk Rock

Milton House 

Don and I looking at various License plates at Texas Roadhouse in Janesville.

Me at the Phabulous Pheasant Farm buying gifts for my neice and nephew.

Now the trip wasn’t all site seeing we went to hunt. Hunt we did! starting with the first evening and every morning. The sites were seen all between the morning and evening hunts.  Which meant we were very busy during the trip. We enjoyed every minute!

The hunts were each filled with birds in the air, some dropped from the bark of our barrels and some just gave a look and kept on going.

Eddie Wise and I taking aim.

The Goose Tree and the morning’s set up.

 Eddie with his and Erik’s banded birds.

But I can safely say we learned something new each time afield, met knew people and made many friends. To name a few, Lee Chiroff and Mick from the Sportsmen Channel, Paul Juhl, Erik Olson, Carl, John,Dave, the guys from Dakota Decoys, (Kyle you will like this..) Jarod who hunted geese with a bow, and many many more!!

Paul Juhl, Mick, Lee Chiroff (Sportsmen Channel), Jarod, and Allen.

Above, Jarod practicing his aim waiting for the geese to come in.

Above, Erik Olson after “wading” at Ron’s.

Carl above with some of our birds from Ron’s.

Paul, Hunter and Don

Then we met Mr. Ron Maass our host in North Central Wisconsin who so graciously welcomed us to hunt in his own waterfowl paradise literally in his backyard! I am talking pit blind, goose food plots, beautiful pond, waterfowlers dream! This man was so nice, and the warmest smile on his face. Even while encountering a personal hardship health wise you would never know. His dog Chloe and Drake were instant friends and even had a joint retrieve on birds we dropped on our hunt.

Above the Goose Tree at work in Ron’s pond.

Don and I awaiting the geese in Ron’s pit blind.

Above, Mr. Ron Maass. What a great guy!

Left to right, Carl, John, Larry, Drake, Don and me.

Larry Juhl, myslef and Ron Maass after our evening hunt.

Below is Chloe, Ron’s yellow lab and now Drake’s new friend.

The wired Crew, (LtoR) Bob Miller,  myself, Don Ott, Drake, Eddie Wise and Chloe.

Another part of the hunt I really enjoyed were meeting some of the adorable youngsters already involved and carrying on our passion for waterfowl hunting. There was little Hunter Juhl, Paul’s son and Larry’s grandson. Now he can call a goose already at 5 years old. Then there was Nolan the size of a peanut who loved the hunting adventure! And we can’t forget Kaylin. The little girl who wasn’t a bit shy. A little pistol who loves to spend time with her dad afield. She wasn’t very happy with her dad though cause she “wanted to hunt with the girl”, meaning me, and we were in opposite blinds that evening. My understanding from Erik is that she scolded him the whole way home about it.

 Above is little Hunter Juhl. Below is Nolan.

 Above is little Kaylin with Eddie.

Now back to hunting. I know all of the Wired Outdoors crew were anxiously waiting to see the Goose Tree in action.  Well, let me tell you this…it works, it works and oh boy does it work!!!  In a nut shell the Goose Tree was again invented by Larry who had told me that the concept came to mind with his previous army helicopter pilot experience. When landing a pilot is focusing on the “X”, which all we waterfowl hunters know that is where the geese land…on the “X”.  So if you have geese simulating they are landing via a decoy, geese will follow.  The idea of this breaks the mold of common decoy set-up. Instead of the geese coming in directly at you, with using the goose tree they are coming in about 30 yards in front of you sideways. Thus the geese are focusing on the tree and “honoring” the already landing geese. The blinds were bale blinds that fit anywhere from 2 to any number of  hunters custom to fit, set up in a triangle safely distanced apart. The family groups of decoys were stratigically placed with a goose tree approximately 30 yards from each blind. When Larry and the guys were working the geese, they banked at the Goose Trees, thus giving the hunters a shot. Here is another quick example…shooting hours are over. Tearing down decoys. The only thing left standing was the goose tree. Don was out in the middle of the field with Nolan and Allen taking the tree down. A flock of 5 geese came in. Drake, Hunter, Paul and I were near the blind. Paul started calling and the geese came in and tried to light behind the goose tree. Lifted and banked around near the tree 3 times before finally leaving the field. These things work!  Drake was shaking drastically while he sat ever so steady, (thank you Pat Nolan!), and Don was out under the Goose Tree in amazement!  Needless to say not only do I have one …now so does Bob and Eddie! You should have seen the Wired Outdoors car coming home with 2 goose trees strapped to the vehicle!  We will be doing a video product review of the Goose Tree for all to see. And no one else better to explain it than Mr. Juhl himself!

Above, Don, Drake and I in one of Larry’s adjustable Just a Bale Blinds.

Below is a 3 man blind.

Above is the Wired Outdoor Team with Larry Juhl in middle, along with our morning birds pulled in by some sweet calls and of course the goose tree.

 A group effort.

The trip went by very fast!   There were so many aspects of the trip to tell and I am only touching the surface. The stories, so many photos, so much footage, good food, and good people, the learning experience…oh yeah and the calling.  Erik Olson worked those birds. Larry, well if you closed your eyes you thought you were listening to the goose himself. I kept teasing saying he was a goose in another lifetime. He was the master. Even Erik said, “He is the closest thing to a goose I have ever heard!”  Well I agree!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE we met and helped to make this hunting adventure such a wonderful trip! The laughs and memories will last a lifetime as well as the friendships made.  We all went away learning a little more about the waterfowl we pursue and the State we visited.

A special thanks to Ron Maass for opening your hunting paradise to the “foreignors” from Pennsylvania. And no words can do justice to the gratitude to our new dear friend Larry Juhl. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! I look forward to the day when we can hunt together again!  Your wit, wisdom and kindness have touched us all very deeply.

Oh yeah…one more thing, we did kill some geese!  That was the bonus!

Bob doing some filming while Drake watches on.

Drake sporting his “Wired gear”.

He decided to stick with the shades and give the hat to Don!

Below is the absolutely beautiful Wolf Creek Lodge we stayed in while hunting with Ron.

Anxiously watching the sky!

Brenda Kelly and I at Horicon Marsh.

Above me interviewing Larry Juhl about his “Geese PLEASE” program.

Above Drake and Don discussing camera shots.

 Above, Drake chasing down a cripple at Ron’s.

Below, the Wired Outdoors Team walking by the Goose Tree with our morning success.

This year we took our yearly summer vacation to beautiful Benezette, PA. Home of the free roaming wild elk in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s elk herd was totally extirpated by 1867 and became totally extinct in it’s Eastern range from New England, New York and PA. The PA Game Commission released elk from Yellowstone back into PA between 1913 and 1926. Today the herd has well over 700 elk. They range in Elk and Cameron Counties but are being seen more and more in Clearfield and Clinton counties.  If you have never seen PA’s wild elk it is well worth a trip!!

We like the serenity and abundant wildlife we can see right from our window or deck from the places  we stay. This year we stayed at the first class accommodation’s of Winslow Meadow Lodge.

This is home away from home. Everything you need except your food. 4 bedrooms, central air, TV, hot tub, large deck, etc.  The place was breath taking enough in itself.

As you all know…utilization of trail camera’s allow even a different perspective on what lurks in PA’s woods. It definitely helps me to sleep when I am up there just knowing that the technology will capture what magnificent animals that bound about while  I am lumbering away.   You see, when I go to beautiful Cameron county, I cannot sleep. Not because it’s a new place away from home….but because I don’t want to miss any wildlife that might be visiting outside the door. Just think about it; wild elk, bears, foxes, and numerous other critters free ranging in natural habitat.  My trail camera was out and it allowed me to reduce my nightly trips from the bedroom from 30 to about 20.  HA!! I just can’t help myself! I go to the door peer out the glass with the spotlight to see what’s there!  I’m like a little girl at Christmas.

My dad hasn’t been to the area in over 20 years and my mom and Grandma have never seen Pennsylvania’s wild elk. So Don and I suggested they should drive up early Tuesday and spend the day with us.  We all decided it was best to arrive around 6 AM so we could see the elk early before they bed.  Boy little did we know what a treat they were in for! That morning we awoke to a cow elk in the front yard and a nice rack buck in the back yard.

We woke up Jimmy and headed out to the gate to meet my family.  We could not have picked or put an order in for any better of a morning. It was if God placed an elk behind every corner and tree. Not to mention numerous does, fawns, calves, bucks, bears and turkeys.

We had been at our beautiful lodge for two days and had a general idea as to where some of the big bulls were.

So Don guided the tour. Right on the road to the lodge we saw about 6 cows and 4 calves.

The first stop would then be to where we had been seeing 3 big bulls. Sure enough there they were but that added one more big bull to the group and a lone cow. All within 75 yards off the road. Needless to say Mom and Grandma were in awe and dad was all fired up!

Down the road we come upon another 5 X 5 . On the way into town to see if the old bull # 36 was around we saw a flock of turkeys and poults crossing the road and a sow with a cub. Then headed down by the river and sure enough there were a couple cows and calves crossing the river. A beautiful site!

Mom, Grandma and Dad checking out the elk at a watering hole.

In town not far from the Benezette store was the big ol bull #36.  This bull is Old, bowed knees. I have pictures from him from years past. According to the PGC Attendant at Winslow Hill Information Center, he is estimated to be approximately 16 years old.

We proceeded back to the lodge seeing elk and deer all along the way. Pulling into our lane we have a herd of cows grazing in the lawn. Now up until this point we had only seen one cow elk around the property.

After a quick tour of the Lodge we decided to sit on the big deck and enjoy the breeze while Don prepared our meal.

A few minutes later a heard of elk, cows, calves and one nice bull emerged from the tree line and fed through the property.

The whole time the cows were “talking” giving out that high pitch call. It was absolutely grand! Mom and Grandma were in disbelief!  A short time later a cow elk came running into the yard and right behind her was the bull in an attempt to get her back with the other girls in the herd.  She wanted NO PART of it and stood her ground. She would not leave our yard. We all stood there in total awe. The bull departed back to his harem and you could hear the cows shrill calls in the distance. thinking that was cool, something then happened that sent chills up all of us. The Bull let out a bugle. YES A BUGLE!! Not once, but twice!!!! We could not believe our ears! I have never heard one bugle before. We never have made it up in the fall.  But to hear one bugle in JULY???? BREATHTAKING!  We all knew we had just been blessed with an amazing memory. We were just all so taken back. Mom was so happy. Something she said she always wanted to hear was an elk bugle and she sure got her wish!

Mom, dad and Grandma had to leave. They Had a wonderful time and we promised we would all go up and spend more time together again in this northern PA paradise.

The cow elk stayed in the yard for another 4 hours. In fact she stayed in the yard for another 2 days until we went home. She was a fixture. It was so nice to be able to go out and sit on the deck and watch a cow elk, numerous deer, raccoons all right before your eyes.

Jimmy trying to sneak on the deck not to spook the elk that came into the yard while he was out front.

Here Don was cooking down at the campfire ring and the cow elk came in.  Did you ever see the movie “Wild Hogs”? Well I think Don is going to “slap the Cow”  LOL.

We all agreed this was the best vacation we have ever had up there. we have always enjoyed the places we have stayed.  But to be able to experience all we did with my family for the first time was a true gift. I know we will be back again next year.

We are already making plans for next summer. Elk country Hide Away we already reserved our stay next September, 2010. This will be our first Fall visit and I can’t wait!  Benezette is a world away from the city. To see PA wild free roaming elk in an untouched natural setting is something to behold. Paradise not far from home!

Every June for the past 5 years, Don, Jimmy, Bob Miller and I have helped the Pennsylvania Game Commission Band Geese. This is an experience that we as hunters do in order to appreciate not only the game birds more but the Biologists that help to manage these birds.

Jimmy Bob and I waiting to start the day.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service uses data reported from leg bands to track the flight paths of migratory birds. Bands are useful in determining harvest information and life span of specific bird species. Each band has a unique number that identifies the species of bird which is tied to the life history. When you call in a band number, an operator will ask you a few simple questions like the date and location of where the bird was harvested. You will then receive a certificate in the mail containing your name and information on the banded bird. You can also report your band online now and it will give you the information immediately.  You can either then print out your certificate or have one mailed to you. Nicknames among waterfowl hunters for leg bands are; jewelry, leg irons, and bling-bling are just a few.

John Dunn, supervisor for the PGC Game Bird Division, records data on newly banded birds and any recaptures at each location.

This year we headed out once again in a neighboring County with Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Justin Vreeland, Wyatt Knepp, John Dunn, Chief Supervisor Game Bird Biologist, and Mary Jo Casalena, Game Bird Biologist.  The goal is to band approximately 150 birds per regions. Our first stop was a private owned bed and breakfast that acts as a waterfowl sanctuary and holds a great deal of birds.  Scouting reports indicated that there were approximately 150 birds there. So IF the birds cooperated this could be our only stop for the day.  This place was beautiful but HUGE. There were so many ponds with grass walkways in between this would be tricky in penning these birds.

Meeting of the minds…Mary Jo, John, Justin and Cary Stultz come up with a game plan on gathering the birds.

So after John, Cary Stultz (volunteer), Mary Jo, and Justin came up with a plan, we headed to our posts to start the slow push to get the geese on land. Needless to say…it didn’t work as planned.

Me, Jimmy and a few other volunteers from PGC Food & Cover wait with the panels to corral the geese.

The geese didn’t want to come out on the grass where we were set up.  After several failed attempts and a few hours later we were lucky enough to band 46 birds. On to the next location…a Wal-Mart retaining pond. There again the birds weren’t as cooperative and it took some effort to corral and band a few birds there.

Me holding a juvenile to be banded.

Adam and Grace Rucosky were helping out that day.

Jimmy getting ready to release a newly banded gosling.

Bob with a banded adult.

Regrouping we decided to head to another part of the County where some smaller flocks with sufficient goslings were scouted.  Our first stop another private company pond the geese here were actually across the street from the pond and we figured it may be more difficult than expected. However, this was probably one of the easiest locations. Justin, Bob, Don, Cary and Mary Jo drove down by the road and the birds all gathered in a cluster and walked up to the top of the bank by the water where John, Jimmy, Wyatt and I were waiting. We were able to close in the panels with no escape geese right under a nice shaded tree. There we noticed a couple recaptures. These are birds that are already banded. These numbers are again recorded by the Biologists for data. This helps to create a history of the bird’s life. Perhaps they migrated here, where they were banded as to where they were recaptured and etc. One recapture was a nice big gander with a double band.

Justin holding the double banded goose.

Along with regular bands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service puts ‘reward bands’ on some birds. Usually they put these leg bands on adult birds. John Dunn explained that the reward bands are typically worth 100 dollars. In studies they showed that the $100 price actually was enough incentive for a hunter to take the time and report the band. The government sends you a check only after you report the information regarding the band. I was fortunate enough to harvest a banded bird the first year I hunted waterfowl.  Actually my third time out.  It was like getting paid to hunt!  Bob Miller jokes around and says that was what got me hooked and they haven’t been able to get rid of me since. But I was hooked the first time laying in the blind and seeing a flock headed right for us. The sounds of honks, the wing beats over my head….my heart was pumping mad!! That is what got me hooked!

John Dunn banding a goose.

Don holding a juvenile to be banded.

We headed off to two other locations and banded a total of 142 geese for the day.  Not too bad after the way the day had started.

Geese are banded in June while in their flightless stage. Geese will molt their feathers at the same time the young are growing theirs.

Adult goose with molting wings. Geese loose old feathers and regrow new ones.

In banding the geese we spread out strategically and slowly walk, almost like a drive and round up the geese to the area where other volunteers have panels (the panels are soft webbed nylon with aluminum rounded edges) that we surround the geese and corral them in. Mary Jo and John have kayaks that they use quite often in the waterways we band at to push the geese to the offshore location we are waiting at.

John and Mary Jo try to use the kayaks to get the geese to move off the water onto land and our waiting position.

At that point the Biologists will enter the pen with the geese, separate the goslings from the adults, sex them male or female and hand the birds to the volunteers to take to other PGC Biologists or certified handlers to then band the geese.

Justin seperating the goslings into the gosling pen.

Above,Goslings in the gosling pen waiting to be banded. Below, all the birds corraled into the panels.

Mary Jo sexing the goose before banding.

We then turn the geese back to the water, field, etc. Holding the geese can also be tricky.  Those that are familiar with a Canada goose know how powerful their wings are. Just because they are molting doesn’t make it any different!  You need to hold the wings close to the “shoulder” of the birds.  Also hold their feet. Which do have slight claws at the end of the webbing and oh yes…they scratch!  The goslings and juveniles really don’t have much of a clue as to what is going on. They don’t know any better and are more cooperative. But the older ones…now that is another story. They hiss, flap those powerful wings as fast as the can, and yes, they may even bite.

To expect to come home without feathers and goose droppings on you would be a total misconception.   So why do we do this?  Simply for the love of the animals we pursue. We as hunters usually only are able to have one of these magnificent birds in hand AFTER we have shot them out of the sky. So to be able to hold one of these powerful, elusive birds while they are alive is a thrill in itself. Not to mention how much we have learned about the life of geese from the Biologists that we are helping. Then there is the whole conservation aspect. It allows me as a hunter to have hands on opportunity in helping this literally continent wide effort to better understand our waterfowl in helping with its conservation through the North America Banding Program.

Above, a leg band being placed on a goose.

The day was full of laughs, and more memories made with friends, family and our partners in the PA Game Commission “banding” together to help towards the conservation of waterfowl.

My opinion every waterfowl hunter should volunteer at least once towards this effort. To see the hard work, time and effort put into banding the geese puts a whole new respect and understanding to those involved in managing our game birds. I didn’t get a banded bird last year, but I know whenever I am lucky enough to harvest a bird with a little jewelry on it’s leg, I have more appreciation towards what went on at the time the leg iron was placed on that bird in hand. Makes the hunt all that more rewarding. It’s full circle!

]]> http://www.pasportsmenportal.com/2009/06/banding-together/feed/ 7 http://www.pasportsmenportal.com/2009/04/tag-teaming-gobblers-in-the-strut-zone/ http://www.pasportsmenportal.com/2009/04/tag-teaming-gobblers-in-the-strut-zone/#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:00:43 +0000 Teresa Patterson http://www.pasportsmenportal.com/?p=5133 Well, the season has only just begun and it has already proved thus far to be a good one. It all began about a month ago when Don and I started our scouting from afar. We found several areas with some really nice birds. Every day we would check the area out in the morning and evening either one of us or both of us. It did look promising. (Includes Video)]]>

Well, the season has only just begun and it has already proved thus far to be a good one. It all began about a month ago when Don and I started our scouting from afar. We found several areas with some really nice birds. Every day we would check the area out in the morning and evening either one of us or both of us. It did look promising.

Scouting pictures; couple of long beards above and a bearded hen below.

This year Jimmy decided to hunt with my brother Rex for the Youth Season opener. I was taking Madison Faith on the PA Youth hunt. So along with my areas to hunt we started scouting the area we were taking Madison for her hunt.  Madison practiced shooting her gun and was excited for her upcoming turkey hunt with us.

Madison practicing with her shotgun with her dad, Jim Faith.

The night prior Don was scouting the birds for Madison and watched every one of them cross the road from the location we were going to set up at and head up a base of the mountain over a thousand yards away from where we were to be hunting. Both of us were a little disheartened thinking all week the birds were right were they needed to be and the night before they decide to switch up for some reason.  All we could do is give it a try!

The morning of the Youth hunt we met Jim and Deb Faith along with Madison on location and headed into the blind, set up the Turkey Skinz decoy and waited. I have to admit it was a long morning.  All the gobbles we heard were across the road far away. We did hear a few hens by our location. We called off and on and saw birds distantly across the road in other fields. Finally the birds got closer. We saw them in the field right across the road and in plain site. Don took over the calling and gave out some loud calls and every bird stopped and lifted it’s head and ran into the fence row towards us. Within 15 minutes the birds were on our side of the road and we heard the thunder gobbles of a mature bird! Madison was shaking with excitement. The birds still wouldn’t show themselves over the hill.  Finally right before 9 AM we saw one. Actually we saw the tail fan of a gobbler right over the hill. Soft calling and he hung up at about 100 yards in the “Strut Zone”.  After about 20 minutes of excruciating anticipation, he finally decided to give the girl (decoy) down the field another look cause she sure sounded pretty. That is when Madison connected and dropped him in his tracks!  BIG TURKEY DOWN!  I don’t know who was more excited, Madison, or her parents Don and I! He was a dandy bird for her first one! About a 10 inch beard and one inch spurs. Her excitement was so great. It made us so happy for her to not only kill her first ever PA turkey. It was her FIRST big game animal in the United States. Madison has killed animals in Africa but never anything in the Mentor program back home.  It was a GREAT morning and Madison did a great job!  What a Team effort. I know Don and I had a blast with Jim, Deb and Madison. We hope to be able to all hunt together again in the future.

Madison above very proud of her big ol tom!

Don, Madison and I with Madison’s first turkey.

Jim, Deb and Madison Faith and myself.

Youth day wasn’t as lucky for Jimmy. He went with my brother Rex and they saw a few again in the “Strut Zone” in a far end of the field, but couldn’t connect. He had a blast though and spent the remainder of his day fishing with his friend Cody, Rex and my dad.  Even though he didn’t bring home a bird I was proud of his outlook on hunting. How he had a great time and shared a memory with his Uncle! He is learning that hunting is often about the challenge. That’s part of it’s lure.  Jimmy was happy to be able to witness gobblers in full strut. I know even if I don’t get to bag a bird, but can witness the beautiful animal in his “Strut Zone” in all his magnificence, is a site to behold and makes for a good day afield. So I was glad he was getting enjoyment out of the “experience”.

Jimmy, right, his Uncle Rex center and Jimmy’s friend Cody.

After the excitement of the Youth hunt and Madison getting her turkey I honestly wasn’t sure if it could get much better. I was ready for my turn though. I got a new East Coast Gun Sales Mountain Hollow box call, and Joanie Haidle mouth and slate calls. I was sounding good and couldn’t wait to see what a big tom thought.

Some of my new turkey calls.

Our opening day of spring gobbler was going to be a hot one. Don was headed to South Dakota with Jason, Arianna and her family to film. My dad kindly volunteered to give up his day of hunting to film my hunt. So dark and early we headed out to my spot.  Don and Jimmy had already set up the blind a couple days earlier so it was all ready for us. Dad and I got situated.  I opted not to use a decoy. I knew that there were some hens and jakes coming there and didn’t want to spook them in some way and ruin my chance at one of the big toms. Decoys work or they don’t. Plus, my previous experience in this location is NO decoy. These birds are old and wise and educated.  Every other time we used decoys there we got busted. Usually by a weary hen!  So I gambled with no decoy today in this spot. I think my dad thought I was nuts but went along with my decision.

At 5:45 AM we heard the first gobbles. We looked at each other and grinned.  About 2 minutes later rang out 2 shots where I watched the birds headed to roost the night before. A few minutes later 3 more across the road on another ridge.  We looked at each other with the same look. Oh great! Someone shot birds out of the roost. We knew this could put a whole new twist into the pattern we had figured out for all these birds.  After carefully watching from a distance and filming these birds, trail cameras, you name it for a whole month,  I felt pretty confident in how Don and I patterned these birds. They roosted in one field at the far end.  They would feed through the field into a middle field then cut up into an adjacent field into the timber and a creek.  We decided to try and intercept them in the middle field where the routinely came out on the same path EVERYDAY to feed and pass through.  So thus is hunting….everything can change in a second or one gun shot.  But dad and I still had our hopes up.

The next time I looked at my watch is was 6:20 AM and finally another gobble. This time I could tell he was on the ground. I called a little and he gobbled and gobbled and gobbled and gobbled, but one field over until 7:30 AM.  Then…dad said, “Is he going away from us now?”  I agreed, it sounded further away. So I called a little louder and heard nothing.  Tried the raspy Beard Buster mouth call from Joanie and he cut me off. Then he double gobbled, triple gobbled. He was hot!  I gave a few soft yelps, and purrs then got quiet. Let him come look for me.  I only heard one other gobble. BUT, it was closer. I used the slate call real soft with a purr and then stopped.  Another couple minutes went by and we heard nothing. I wasn’t sure if he turned away or was coming. Then I hear hen yelps. I knew the gobbler wasn’t coming because he was with hens. So I did some soft calls hoping the hens would come take a look. I did a few putts and then a hen yelped back . I knew they were coming and would be looking for the hen making the noise.  So I got quiet…come on over girls…. bring the boys!   Just then, dad taps my arm I look to my left and there were the hens, followed by the jakes.  The excitement was mounting!  The jakes came out and they were a little skittish so I knew then the big boys weren’t far behind.  Dad taps my leg again this was our sign he had them on camera. The rest was up to me.  The “Strutters” had arrived. The dominant bird, who Don and I called “white wing” because his wing tips were so much lighter white than any other bird in the fields we were scouting,  was the last to appear. The one long beard came into view and then “white wing” came out into full strut.

I watched a couple seconds waiting to get a good shot. He went full strut again, came out of strut and lifted his pretty blue head for a perfect target.  That’s when I seized the opportunity and dropped him. The hens ran right and the other long beard ran back to the left.  But the jakes stood around like, “Hey what’s going on?”  Well dad had only ever shot one other turkey in all his life. So I quickly asked “Dad do want to shoot one of those jakes?” He replied with a quick “Yeah ok!” So I handed over my shotgun and looked down at the camera still running. Another shot ran out and dad had a bird down!  A DOUBLE!!!!  And on film! We high fived and were so pumped!!!   We TAGGED TEAMED THE OL’TOM’s!   Still the jakes wouldn’t leave and they were calling to the hens. We watched as one jake hopped on and pecked at dad’s bird down. Just enjoying the sites and taking it all in!!!  We left the remaining birds quietly leave on their own and then went out to retrieve our gobblers.

Video of my turkey

My dad with his gobbler shot on opening day.

With my opening day gobbler.

My gobbler was about 20 pounds and had inch spurs and a 9 ¾ inch beard. Dad’s bird had a 4 ¼ inch beard and weighed about 14 pounds. But the real trophy of the day was the memory dad and I just created together. All the years hunting together we never shot a big game animal at the same time. How cool was this. We were just so excited we both got birds, had a great morning in the blinds together, laughs shared and the memory also preserved on film to relive over and over.

Soon after text messages and phone calls, I learned Jimmy had missed a big one but was laughing about! Our good friend Bob Miller had scored a big bird and my sister-in-laws brother Mark got his first turkey that morning.  What a season opener!

I thank God everyday for my parents and for them getting me involved in the outdoors. Because of them I am able to enjoy all that nature provides and I am forever thankful for that! Thanks so much mom and dad!  I’ve added yet another great memory shared with my dad, Don and my friends the Faith’s in this sport we love so much!

I hope if you haven’t downed your bird yet you will by season end. If not enjoy every trip afield!  I’ll be helping Jimmy get his bird and probably filming for Don’s hunts. Good luck and be safe!

Dad and I with our “Double” ‘09 spring gobblers.

Ahh…the sights and sounds of spring! To me that is driving down the road and seeing a flock of turkeys in a field pecking at corn morsels or whatever they can scavenge this time of year. Hearing the thundering gobbles at daybreak! Seeing big gobblers, jakes, hens.  The sight alone can get the blood boiling and make any spring gobbler hunter anxious for the upcoming season.

The turkeys are busy and very visible usually this time of year. Hens will be meandering around looking for their nesting spots and the gobblers are usually in tow. I’ve even had some friends telling stories of observing the  gobblers violently fighting in the fields to establish their dominance. To me this is a good time to get out and do some scouting.

Scouting is observing, looking for signs, tracks, dusting spots, scratching in fields, droppings, listening for gobbles, observing the times birds appear in fields, etc.  Studying from afar. Trying not to alert or “educate” these wary creatures of my presence.  Unfortunately to many hunter’s, they are their own worst enemy when preparing for the upcoming season.  Something a dear friend and avid, very experienced,  turkey hunter, Shirley Grenoble covers many times in her turkey seminars, is that hunters should show “prudence”.  Prudence basically means “to show carefulness and/or foresight”.

I know there hasn’t been a season go by that I haven’t encountered a hunter watching birds from the road or listening for gobblers at dawn who doesn’t give out some calls. They can’t resist hearing that bird respond or see the gobbler come into their calling or the desire to see them strut to their calls.  Usually because this time of year it’s so easy.  Ever wonder why during season you will hear the birds gobbling so vigorously on the roost then never make a sound when they hit the ground?  They’ve been educated.  How?  Once a gobbler responds a few times to calls from a distance and finds no hen there, he learns that his efforts are pointless! Even though the calls sound good, there is no hen. So come season, why should he leave his hens in sight,  to come look for those ones calling off in the distance that have never proven to be there in the past.  Even worse, those gobblers that will respond to all those calls in pre-season, learn that running to the distance calls of hens are not only uncertain but can be dangerous. If the gobbler ends up busting the hunter or associates the calling with a vehicle, they learn danger. They associate the calling with a threat or predator. Remember to turkeys, we are the enemy! So why educate the wary birds? Why let them know we can speak their language? I find it fruitless to spook or make it harder to hunt something I am spending so much time scouting.

So I choose to quietly scout. I have several trail cameras out and have gotten some birds on camera. Which is a great way to scout when you are working. Trail cams can tell you when the birds are visiting that area.  I usually retrieve my camera later in the evening when birds aren’t in the vicinity.

If I notice birds there,  I back out. I don’t want to disturb any patterns they may be starting. I look for sign and watch from a distance. No calling, no alerting them to where I am.  I quietly will pull off the side of a road and take pictures from a distance. Or will be set up hiding in brush taking pictures usually from hundreds of yards away in order not to disturb the birds.

This year I have been seeing quite a few birds and I have to say I am excited for the upcoming season. I hope that my many hours of scouting and preparation will pay off again this year. Most of the birds I am seeing in various areas I am hunting are big gobblers. So these boys have been around for awhile and have been somewhat educated. Even my bird last year came in with another gobbler totally silent. Showing they were experienced to the dangers of distance calls.

The spring gobbler season can be an exciting time of year. Providing the many sights of gobblers strutting in fields, gobbling at dawn, fighting for dominance and looking for hens well before season. To me it just adds to the excitement of the first day. Anticipating if you will duplicate those sights and sounds, but this time all the hard work and scouting paying off with a big gobbler down!

Good luck to all those going out this upcoming season! Be safe and be sure to post on the site how you do. It’s not to late to enter our Turkey Photo contest!

After a year of waiting and planning our snow goose trip to Missouri it finally arrived.  This was it, our inaugural snow goose hunt in the Mid-west.  In my conversations throughout the year with Outfitter Scott Robinson, he told me time and time again that everything about snow goose hunting in the Mid-West was different. They were totally different, even wearier birds than the Canadas.  He assured me I probably never had experienced anything like it before. Boy was he right!

Seven of us headed out. Jimmy, my dad, Don, Brandon, John, Bob, myself and of course Drake.

Drake resting on John on the trip out.

Don getting Drake out to stretch his legs.

Group leaving Denny’s after breakfeast.

We drove through the night and 17 hours later arrived in Mound City, Missouri. The snow goose capital. Our first stop was at the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. We stopped out at the entrance to take a few pictures of the sign and could see geese in the air above the refuge.

Drake and I.

We could hear them but had no idea what we were about to encounter. The weather was warm that day, 81 degrees with a 40 mph wind. So when we first laid eyes on the water we weren’t sure if it was a mirage or there were that many geese. I soon had my answer. It was geese!!  And a lot of them. Reportedly 1.2 million geese were sitting on the refuge that day.

A white sea!

I can honestly say for the first time during the trip we were all speechless! Geese everywhere. The water looked white! Every species of waterfowl; ducks, geese, you name it was sitting or flying on the refuge.   My dad had never waterfowl hunted before and we asked him to come along to hunt a little and help run a second camera. He was totally astonished. We all were. I thought last year at Middle Creek Refuge here in PA was a wondrous sight. This was a thousand times that!

Brandon, Don and Drake on the Platform taking in the view.

It was just so much to take in. Remarkable! The sound of the geese was almost deafening.   Then to eyewitness the spectacular “Lift off” the geese would lift in large, meaning hundreds of thousands large, all simultaneously and move on to another location on the lake.

“White out” It looked like a blizzard!

These birds are nothing like Canadas when they lift or land. They go straight up and land on the water straight down without a splash, ripple or drift.  The sights didn’t end with the snow goose phenomena; we were able to see tons of muskrats, bald eagles, turtles, and a smorgasbord of waterfowl. Every duck made, every species of goose, it was all there right before our eyes. It was simply breath taking.

Bald Eagle waiting on dinner.

Muskrat

Swans

Canada geese

Specks

Even though I was on the tail end of the flu I came down with the day before we left, I seemed to forget my ill health as I witnessed the sights before me. After a couple hours at the refuge we headed for the hotel and then off to the local gas station to buy our $6 Missouri Conservation Snow Goose permit.

Friday morning we were up and ready to go. We arrived at the meeting place and were greeted by one of the Waterfowl Specialist Guides, Cory. Scott arriving just a few minutes later. We then were off. Headed about 40 miles North to the field Scott had picked out for us. Dad and Don set up the cameras and the rest of us headed off to our blinds. Scott gave us our shooting instructions and explained that we would be shooting about 80-90 yards in the air at times and he would call all the shoots. That was due to the fact we had no wind. However, most of the birds we killed we around 30-40 yards.  After a few more explanations we were ready to go. We could already hear the geese in the distance that were roosting on a small lake. Scott said there were about 100,000 snow geese that dumped onto the small farm lake the night before. One thing I learned…these geese fly at the crack of dawn, I am talking barely light. As I was witnessing the beautiful sunrise from my blind we heard it… the roost erupted with a cloud of snow geese that did their usual circle for elevation and took off. I got chills and I could hear Jimmy beside me breathing heavy! Scott told me the wind was wrong. Instead of the geese coming straight to the field like he thought they were they were headed more North. But he assured me it was ok, they would be back. Within 10 minutes he called out the first shot. Gun barrels rang out repeatedly. We were shooting almost laying down straight up. Wow! This was different!  It took us a couple times, but we soon got the hang of it and were starting to drop geese.

Juvenile snow goose

Mature snow goose (top) and a Ross goose

Brandon with a blue phase snow goose. We were told the brown on thebirds head is stain from eating peanuts down south

We sure were in the right field. Although the geese were too high to shoot, the first 4 ½ hours we saw thousands and thousands of geese and ducks flying over. Every kind of goose, snows, Canadas, specks they were all flying over.  It was amazing!  Scott did say that the wind was wrong. How was the wind wrong? There was NO wind! Hunting snow geese he explained wind is a necessity!  The birds school in large flocks and they are always moving. With no wind the decoys look almost dead. And snow geese are very very weary!

Bob Taking A Look

These birds hover and fly sky high.  Canadas fly flatter and although very smart, they will circle your spread and drop as they come in. These birds fly high, hover and drop down on top of you. They will take their time dropping in. They will hover and circle for 10, 15 sometimes 20 minutes just viewing the spread before they commit.  After a couple hours, I realized quickly that the spring snow goose hunting is indeed, unlike the fall Canada goose season!  Jimmy’s wish was to drop a blue phase snow goose. He got his wish. A blue dropped in and guns fired, then he flew in front of Jimmy and with one shot he dropped it right in front of us. A mature beautiful blue!  He was tickled!  Needless to say, he yelled out” That’s goin on the wall!” So Scott made sure Corey took extra care on how the bird was handled.

Jimmy with his blue phase snow goose.

Bob’s trophy Ross.

Bob downed a Ross goose that was a trophy. The Ross goose is a smaller version of the snow goose. This goose had warts all over it’s beak. As Scott explained that is a trophy in snow goose hunting. The older the bird, the more warts it will grow on it’s beak. This bird he said was the second most warted bird in the thousands and thousands he had seen taken over the years. So that really tickled Bob…needless to say…that one’s going on the wall too!
The first day landed us 23 birds which wasn’t bad for a slow day with no wind. Didn’t matter we were all thrilled at what we had been experiencing and I loved learning more about this elusive quarry!

Gang with Guide Corey and some of our birds.

John, Jimmy, Brandon and I with the days take

The next morning we awoke to violent thunderstorms and me running a fever and severe sore throat. As much as it killed me to stay back, I was much too sick to go and didn’t want to shorten the guys hunt if I had to leave.  Don and dad were able to hunt and not film and that made up for me having to stay home. Drake kept me company while I lounged, slept, drank orange juice and tried to heal for the final days hunt. The guys went south this time near the Kansas border.  This is what I was so impressed with Scott’s outfit. They had so many fields available to hunt.
The guys ended up with 11 birds that day and hunted with a Guide named Alex or “Cheffy” as they so fondly nicknamed him because of his day job as a Chef! They came back to the hotel with stories of the day and everyone was having a great trip. Dad’s first opportunity to shoot waterfowl and he loved it. I think it’s safe to say he’s hooked!

Jimmy’s all smiles

Jimmy and Dad

Don retrieving downed birds.

The Gang second day.

Our final day we awoke to pouring down rain and high winds. The temperature had gone from 70’s on Friday to the low 40’s on Sunday. But nothing was stopping me from hunting that day. I felt a great deal better and we headed off. Sunday our Guide was Ryan. Ryan in the off season is a Taxidermist from Michigan. Again, another knowledgeable Guide from Waterfowl Specialists.  We headed north and set up in the back of a cow pasture and small ponds. Only a few birds came in and it seemed like the few that did come in we couldn’t hit. Whether it was the wind or our sore shoulders.  Then here comes one, we all shoot and the bird flips a little and Jimmy rings out the last shot and down it comes.

Another Ross goose with a warted nose! Jimmy was thrilled.

Jimmy’s Trophy Ross

The morning was slow and then around 11 AM not only did we feel numb from the cold and muddy wet blinds, the winds really started to howl.  Ryan got warnings on his cell phone about tornado warnings. So we decided to head back to the hotel, get dry clothes and then we would meet Ryan for the evening hunt. Ryan was headed out to another field to pull a spread and relocate it near a small farm lake for the evening hunt. When we arrived, Ryan and Alex had a great looking spread and blinds all ready near the water’s edge.  Ryan had his dog Sophie and Drake was ready for action. I was excited because Don had the cameras set up and Dad was able to hunt with me and Jimmy. Three generations together hunting waterfowl.

Dad ready for action!

The wind was right and we were ready.

Guide Ryan and the guys putting finishing touches on the blinds

We downed a couple more singles coming in and then it happened. Right before we anticipated the birds to start coming in, the winds stopped.  We saw birds, lots of birds, but none wanted to stop by and say hello.

Views from my blind.

We ended up with 5 birds for the day. But the laughs and memories we made were ten times that. We got to watch Drake and Sophie retrieve and enjoy each other’s companionship that evening.

Sophie on retrieve.

Drake on retrieve

Before we even headed out of town Monday afternoon we all concluded we would be back. There is nothing like hunting snow geese in the Mid-West. The sights are extraordinary!  We all had a great time and made memories to last a life time. I know I personally learned so much from Scott and all the Guides we were with while on the trip. These birds are so hard to kill. They are so smart in a different way than the Canadas. They demand your respect. It is no wonder their numbers are increasing so drastically. Their tenacity is astounding.

I want to thank my family and dear friend for sharing this time in the field with me. For the laughs we shared both in the field and in the long ride to and from Missouri. I can’t think of anyone better to have experienced this all with. I would also like to give a shout out to Scott Robinson, Waterfowl Specialists and Guides, Corey, Alex and Ryan.  You all were awesome guys and we had a bunch of fun hanging out and hunting with you guys.  Not to mention all the schooling you gave us on hunting the magnificent snow goose.  We’ll be back! Thank God for providing the wondrous sites we saw. The pictures of nature will forever be in my mind!

Well it has been awhile since my last journal. To be honest with you it has been so busy. First was hunting season. I didn’t get a deer I saw quite a few smaller bucks. Filming put an all new twist on things. So my picture taking took a back seat and made writing a journal hard . Waterfowl hunting had also taken a back seat. Days I was able to go the weather wasn’t fit even for the birds. We literally had NOTHING except a few cripples on the local pond. With the extreme cold weather this year everything flew south. We did have a lot of fun at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg. Although it made for a long week. I would do it all over again. We met some great people from the site and My Space friends. Not to mention all the Outdoor TV personalities we got to meet and interview at our booth. We also had the privilege to meet some great people in the Outdoor Industry that hopefully we will be working with in the future. I am also excited about some of the great hunts we have planned with Outfitters we met at the show. It should be a great year!

One of the nicer bucks

Smaller buck. Jimmy actually missed this buck in muzzleloader season.

Drake with his deer leg

deer leg bone

Canvas Back Drakes

Wood Ducks

Common Merganser Drake

Widgeon Drake

Ring Necks

My favorite duck Red Head drakes and hens. However, I haven’t been lucky enough to ever shoot one.

]]> http://www.pasportsmenportal.com/2009/02/end-of-a-season/feed/ 3 http://www.pasportsmenportal.com/2009/01/new-years-in-with-a-bang/ http://www.pasportsmenportal.com/2009/01/new-years-in-with-a-bang/#comments Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:25:31 +0000 Teresa Patterson http://staging.pasportsmenportal.com/?p=3369 Well it was the first day of the New Year and it seemed much nicer and calmer than the day before. New Year’s Eve we had 47 mph wind gusts and it was cold and nasty. After spending a fruitless effort in the morning trying to hunt deer, in frustration we left in an attempt to perhaps change our luck hunting waterfowl in the afternoon.

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• Beretta Extrema 2 – 12 Gauge shotgun
• Kent Fasteel 3” #4 shot
• Cabelas 5 mm Neoprene waders
• Drake waterfowl MST Eqwater MST Mock turtleneck
• Avery Floating tuff dog parka
• Cabela’s 5mm waders, Redhead wading boots
• Cabela’s neoprene shotshell belt
• Medalist base layers & Medalist mid-weight layers
• Medalist 3 in 1 jacket & Medalist gloves
• Medalist heavy weight socks
• Medalist Silvermax micro-ply gloves with shooting finger
• Drake waterfowl Blind bag
• Avery 12’ Decoy Retrieving stick
• River Bottom Goose calls
• Medalist Silvermax huntgear hat
• Haydel Honker 81 goose call
• Flambeau Magnum Mallard Duck Decoys
• GHG Life Size Pro Grade Goose Floater Decoys
• Flambeau Goose feeder butt decoys

Well it was the first day of the New Year and it seemed much nicer and calmer than the day before. New Year’s Eve we had 47 mph wind gusts and it was cold and nasty.  After spending a fruitless effort in the morning trying to hunt deer, in frustration we left in an attempt to perhaps change our luck hunting waterfowl in the afternoon.
Don and I changed, packed up the guns and Drake and figured we would probably do best on the big rivers. So we headed off for the first waterfowl hunt of 2009.  We get about 15 miles from home and we pull out from a light and hear a noise in the back. Don asks if my gun is hitting the door in the back.  He braked then slowly started forward. Well…I just KNEW the sound wasn’t my gun!  I just didn’t want to say what I thought it was thinking that maybe…just maybe…I could be wrong. Don pulled over in a nearby vacant parking lot and gets out. I just knew what he was going to say……”Oh great! Flat tire!”  Yep…I knew it. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, Don has gotten really good at this tire changing thing. Believe it or not we have had a couple flat tires for some reason over the past few years. Don proceeds to change the tire while Drake and I look on. Drake doesn’t seem to be amused by this all because it cuts into his hunting time. But he patiently sits and watches Don change the tire. (If only dog’s could talk!)

The spare tire…well it was little to be desired. We were hoping we would just make it home to change vehicles.  So this wasted a good hour off our hunt time but we managed to laugh about it. The only one who didn’t seem amused was Drake.

Our first stop we set up where we know the geese tend to frequent in the afternoon. Don was up river a little and Drake and I down from him.  In looking at the water it was higher than normal and swift. I knew it was going to be a chore for Drake to retrieve. The geese were going to float down fast. After only a short wait we had geese coming in.  They were in between Don and I but landed closer to me.  I let off one shot and dropped 2 birds…a double…they quickly retreated up river to Don where I hear his rapid fire echoing.  I had already released Drake on the birds. Anxiously hoping he could retrieve the birds without too much problem. Well, Drake is smart. He actually ran down river and swam out against the current. He waited until the birds came to him and brought it to the bank.

He then headed down river and back out for the second bird. This time we were already almost 100 yards down from where I had shot the birds. The current was really swift. But he retrieved the second bird and was as proud as could be!   Just then I hear Don behind me and look out and there was his goose he shot up river, floating down the opposite side.  Drake sees it and goes down river again and swims out. The current is REALLY fast out in the middle. He makes it to where the goose is headed turns towards the goose and just starts treading water…not going anywhere…just treading and waiting for the bird to come to him. Finally the wait seemed like forever but was only minutes the bird is retrieved and he starts back. Don heads down further because he know that is where the current is going to take him. Believe me I would be lying if I say I wasn’t a little worried. That water was COLD and fast!  Drake made it out down river right to Don and was again so proud of himself!

Drake retrieving Don’s bird

We gather up and decide to head to another farm along the river we have permission to hunt and see what luck we have there.  Again we set up and decided it would be best to split up a little so we could keep any birds we encountered moving a little and each have a chance to shoot.
This time it was ducks. Common Mergansers everywhere. This time they landed closer to Don’s location and again shots ring out. He yells for Drake and I release him and off he runs up the field to his location. Don unloaded on a drake and twisted it and turned it and only to drop the hen behind it. They flew high and wide and I never got a shot off at them.  Drake was able to retrieve his duck very easily.  It dropped a shorter distance and more shallow water in the river.  Shortly after a small flock of 9 geese came my way.  I was in a wide part of the river and right in the middle directly in front of me. I shot and dropped another. Drake went off and the current was moving quick. Drake and the bird were moving fast down river. I could barely see him or the bird with the sun reflecting in the water.

Drake retrieving my goose about 80 yards down the river

Don came down and quickly moved down the river . Drake got the goose and we knew he would be coming out about 100 yards down river so we both headed his way.  He made it to the bank and wouldn’t turn the bird over to Don but headed right towards me with his prize!

Drake bringing my goose to me

By this time it was already after 4 PM and we decided we better head home.  We took a few pictures and headed back. Drake made 4 VERY long retrieves in very cold fast water for the geese and one for the duck.

In all we had a great day laughing and watching our dog make some awesome retrieves. We didn’t do too bad in our day’s take with a short amount of time that we had. Drake was more than compensated for his time lost during the tire change. By the time we were a few miles down the road he was literally sleeping standing up!

A very tired…but happy dog!

At this point Drake doesn’t seem too amused by the camera!

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